Nuclear Ban Treaty Stalls as World Powers Refuse to Disarm

One year after a landmark treaty banning nuclear weapons took effect, the goal of a nuclear-free world appears remote. The treaty has not been signed by any country that possesses nuclear arms. These nations, and their allies who rely on nuclear protection, are also struggling to make progress on separate talks to prevent the spread of the weapons. This double stalemate raises a difficult question. If the world's most powerful states cannot agree to reduce their stockpiles, what hope is there for total abolition? Advocates for the ban treaty are now working to build political pressure for change.