Nuclear proliferation is the rapid growth of nuclear parts and weapons. Nowadays, the term more specifically relates to the spread of nuclear weapons to nations which are not recognized as “Nuclear Weapon States” by the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, also known as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty or NPT. India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel have acquired nuclear weapons and have not signed or ratified the NPT.
Recently, U.S. President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. As part of this effort, Obama has called for a world without nuclear weapons. Part of his plan for a world without nuclear weapons must include details that deal with North Korea and their blatant disregard for international law.
Several months ago, N. Korea tested it’s second nuclear weapon which turned out to be a bigger than the first one tested in 2006. President Obama plans to be much stronger in his opposition to North Korea’s illegal testing of Nuclear Weapons than the Bush administration was. However, his options are limited and much of his plan will depend on support and joint effort by Russia and China. Thus far, Russia and China have both strongly denounced N. Korea’s nuclear weapons testing. Looking ahead, Iran and other nations are going to be examining the confrontation with North Korea for hints of how Obama will handle future complex confrontations.
