Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) are important and practical regional measures by non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWSs) to promote the goals of maintaining strategic stability, nuclear non-proliferation, and strengthening confidence among states. Over the past half-century, significant progress has been made with NWFZs worldwide, and this rich experience should be leveraged to broaden the regime toward achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world (NWFW). Mongolia, with its unique single-state ‘nuclear-weapon-free’ status, offers valuable lessons.
This essay makes a case for building a more inclusive and effective NWFZ regime, based on Mongolia’s experience of attaining and promoting nuclear-weapon-free status as a single state. The author argues that an effective NWFZ regime must reflect the demands and requirements of the contemporary world order, especially with regards to information on measures that have been taken to keep the zone nuclear-free, as well as on verification and control measures. Also, the rights and obligations of NWFZs and the Nuclear Weapon States must be balanced; security assurances offered by the latter need to be clear-cut and legally binding and not remain as statements of intention. Experience also shows that non-nuclear-weapon states need to become more proactive and practical contributors to overall security based on their comparative advantages in promoting confidence-building and strengthening stability.
