Who has Nuclear Weapons Today?
Today, there are nine countries that possess nuclear weapons.
Russia currently holds the most nuclear weapons at about 8,000 warheads. The United States follows the lead with an estimated 7,300 warheads. France holds 300, China 250, the United kingdom 225, Israel close to 138, Pakistan is estimated around 110, and North Korea 10. All together, the number of officially reported warheads found around the world add up to a rough total of 16,400. http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/nuclear-arsenals/
Russia currently holds the most nuclear weapons at about 8,000 warheads. The United States follows the lead with an estimated 7,300 warheads. France holds 300, China 250, the United kingdom 225, Israel close to 138, Pakistan is estimated around 110, and North Korea 10. All together, the number of officially reported warheads found around the world add up to a rough total of 16,400. http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/nuclear-arsenals/
http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/nuclear-arsenals/
Treaties Today
Several treaties have been ratified in order to protect states from the dangers of nuclear weapons and work towards nonproliferation. The major treaties have been listed below.
- Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty(NPT) : Prevents the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and promotes peaceful uses for nuclear energy. In 1968 it became open to signatures, and since then 190 countries have ratified it. (http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NPT.shtml)
- Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: It was open for signatures on September 24, 1996. This treaty prohibits the testing of any nuclear explosion. Although 183 countries that signed the treaty, only 162 ratified. (http://www.nti.org/treaties-and-regimes/comprehensive-nuclear-test-ban-treaty-ctbt/)
- Seabed Treaty: Was ratified on February 11, 1972. It prohibits the placement of any type of nuclear weapon, or weapon of mass destruction, on the seabed. (http://www.nti.org/treaties-and-regimes/treaty-prohibition-emplacement-nuclear-weapons-and-other-weapons-mass-destruction-seabed-and-ocean-floor-and-subsoil-thereof-seabed-treaty/)
- Moon agreement: Went into force on December 18, 1984. Sending nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction into space is strictly off limits. The moon is kept safe from militarization in order to further peaceful research. (http://www.nti.org/treaties-and-regimes/agreement-governing-activities-states-moon-and-other-celestial-bodies-moon-agreement/)
- Convention on Nuclear Safety: 65 countries partook in the signing of the treaty in September 20, 1994, and took effect on October 24, 1996. Taking into consideration the environmental, social and economic impacts of nuclear energy, this treaty work as a framework to ensure proper management of nuclear power plants. (http://www.nti.org/treaties-and-regimes/convention-nuclear-safety/)
- Joint Convention on Spent Fuel Management: Works toward a clean and safe disposal of radioactive waste. Although this treaty began to accept signatures on September 29, 1997 it did not take effect until June 18, 2001. (http://www.state.gov/t/isn/trty/5953.htm)
- STARTs: There are 4 articles to this treaty. The first one began on December 5, 1994 and the most recent one (the New Start) was passed on February 5, 2011. They base off of each other, but make subtle changes. Overall, this treaty is a negotiation between Russia and the U.S, which helps to reduce their number of nuclear weapons. (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/568196/Strategic-Arms-Reduction-Talks-START)