Non-Proliferation Treaty at 25

In April, negotiators from more than 160 countries will meet in New York to decide the fate of the 25-year-old Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Under the agreement's unusual terms, signatories must decide whether to extend it indefinitely, extend it for a specified period or abandon it. Supporters of a permanent NPT, including the United States, warn that instability in the post-Cold War era makes it all the more necessary to prevent rogue nations or terrorists from acquiring nuclear weapons. Critics, especially countries without nuclear weapons, say the treaty unfairly guarantees military superiority to the NPT's five-member “nuclear club.” They also charge the nuclear powers, especially the United States and Russia, with not living up to the treaty's requirement that they vigorously seek to halt the arms race and eliminate nuclear weapons.