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Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Governing nuclear weapons
Key Insights
Entering into force in 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons aimed to limit the possession of nuclear weapons while promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy. The treaty only permits the US, USSR (Russia), the UK, France, and China to possess nuclear weapons. In exchange for this exclusivity, the countries with nuclear weapons are to share nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and work towards nuclear disarmament.
By Pablo Mathis
27 February 2023 · 00:00 CET· Updated 21 June 2026 · 18:25 CET
Cite this brief
Mathis, P. (2023). Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. EPIS Insight · Security Policy & Defence.
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