The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and US security

摘要

The fate of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is closely connected to US attitudes toward the treaty, which in turn depend upon US perceptions of how the treaty affects US security. There have been wild swings in these perceptions since the treaty was signed in 1996. Impressive progress has been made in the ability to verify the CTBT in recent years, both in the International Monitoring System and in the possible use of on-site inspections. Questions remain in the minds of opponents regarding the treaty's possible effect on the US nuclear stockpile, as well as the treaty's overall relationship to nonproliferation. The new Trump administration will need to decide how to proceed on this crucial piece of unfinished business. In addition to finally ratifying the treaty, other options are possible.