Nuclear Ban Treaty Stalls as World's Powers Refuse to Disarm

One year after a landmark treaty banning nuclear weapons took effect, the goal of a world free of such arms appears remote. The treaty has not been signed by any country that actually possesses nuclear weapons. These nations, and their allies who rely on their protection, are also struggling to make progress on separate talks to prevent the spread of nuclear arms. This double deadlock raises a difficult question. If the major nuclear powers cannot agree to reduce their existing stockpiles, what chance is there for total global abolition? Advocates for the ban treaty are now working to build new momentum, but face significant opposition from the world's most powerful states.