An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Emerging Challenges in the 21st Century

Nuclear proliferation remains one of the most pressing global security challenges in the 21st century. Despite the establishment of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament, the global landscape has seen a rise in new nuclear powers and persistent non-compliance by certain states. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of the NPT in addressing nuclear proliferation in the 21st century. The study objectives are; to trace the historical evolution of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the 21st Century, to examine the challenges of nuclear non-proliferation. The study adopted realism and the liberalism theories of international relations. The qualitative methodology was used by critically analyzing the available literature to arrive at a convincing end. The findings of the study were; largely, the NPT has been effective in its mandate despite inherent challenges; the challenges towards fully realization of NPT are: – financial inadequacy, role of major powers, and smuggling/ illegal trade of nuclear materials, technological advancement, and geopolitical rivalries. The study recommends that powerful non-signatory states should be engaged, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. In conclusion, for NPT to succeed there is need of collaborative effort by international community towards its mandate.