Cooperation Among Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones: History, Challenges and Recommendations

摘要

This Vienna Center report assesses the state of cooperation among the nuclear-weapon-free zones and offers advice for improvements. Currently, six zones function with different levels of activity, organization, and communication with each other, as well as with the general public and international organizations. After discussing why cooperation among the zones is important and beneficial to the cause of nonproliferation and disarmament, the report describes the history of each zone and its current level of organization. After a comprehensive survey of historical and current contexts, the report offers recommendations. They include improving communication among the zones and institutionalizing contacts, working together to conduct research and analysis, undertaking joint efforts in support of disarmament and nonproliferation education, and cooperating with international organizations and in multilateral forums.