Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Context:
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the U.S. would start testing nuclear weapons risking the upending of the global test ban regime
This follows Russia's decision in 2023 to "de-ratify" the CTBT amid mounting tensions with the U.S.
While major nuclear powers have maintained a moratorium on testing since the 1990s, Mr. Trump's claims could trigger a new nuclear arms race
About the Treaty:
It bans all nuclear explosion tests on Earth
It specifically bans any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion (i.e. true zero yield)
The treaty was opened for signature on September 24, 1996
Verification and Organization:
The treaty establishes the CTBT Organization (CTBTO)
It is located in Vienna
This organisation to ensure its implementation
The verification regime includes:
International Monitoring System (IMS):
A global network of 321 monitoring stations (when fully operational).
It uses seismological, radionuclide, hydroacoustic, and infrasound monitoring
On-Site Inspections (OSI):
This allows for inspections at the site of a suspected test
Status of Entry into Force
The CTBT has not yet entered into force
It will only enter into force 180 days after it has been ratified by all 44 States listed in Annex 2 of the treaty
Non-Signatories:
Three Annex 2 states have not signed the treaty.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
India
Pakistan
Signed but Not Ratified:
Five Annex 2 states have signed but not ratified
China
Egypt
Iran
Israel
United States