The non-proliferation treaty and the German choice not to proliferate

Abstract

The chapter examines the challenges to non-proliferation in the new international environment of the post-bipolar context. Discussing the notion of a “regime” and the motivations (as well as the barriers) for nuclear acquisition (or restraint), the author investigates the health of the Non-proliferation Treaty through the case of Germany and its decision not to proliferate. For Germany, it is argued, nuclear weapons are of no use, a burden rather than a blessing.