Abstract/Summary

The sixth and largest nuclear test conducted by North Korea on September 3, 2017 raised more questions about the success of the current non-proliferation regime. Despite the legal force of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a large number of nuclear tests have been conducted around the world. These reflect unequal provisions between the five nuclear-weapon states and the non-nuclear-weapon states bound by the Treaty. This inequality undermines the NPT regime. This study evaluates the obligations of these two groups of states in the context of the NPT. Then it discusses the failure of the NPT regime in securing "refraining from the acquisition of nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament, and the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy." Emerging new nuclear powers and the decline of the international nuclear inspectorate have been raised despite the comprehensive legal coverage of the Non-Proliferation Regime and its failed disarmament policy.