The role of non-nuclear weapons states in a disarmament regime driven by the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons

The aim with this report is to identify ways for Norway and other non-nuclear weapons states (NNWS) to contribute in the process towards a world free of nuclear weapons. In particular, the report investigates how Norway and other NNWS can achieve a meaningful role in the process of verifying the dismantling of nuclear weapons. Up to now, the nuclear weapons states (NWS) have primarily handled the verification of nuclear dismantlement themselves. This is insufficient because it does not provide enough international transparency and confidence to ensure that the dismantlement has indeed taken place. Involvement from NNWS in the verification process would create increased legitimacy to the dismantling process, as a broader range of actors are then overseeing that the NWS comply with their commitments. However, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NTP) sets strict limitations on the exchange of information regarding nuclear weapons between NWS and NNWS. Because of this, involvement from NNWS in the verification process also represents special complications related to the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons technology to new actors. These challenges are unique to nuclear weapons and differ from those arising during verification of disarmament of other weapon types. The report shows that Norway and other NNWS can have meaningful roles in a nuclear disarmament regime, as long as proliferative and other sensitive information is properly protected. Norway, in particular, has experience in developing systems that make verification by NNWS possible in a non-proliferative way. Norway is also competent to carry out international on-site inspections to ensure that nuclear weapons have been dismantled in conformity with international agreements. Besides, Norway can continue to contribute in the process of preparing and finding international support for arms control agreements and subsequent verification regimes. Norway’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) creates additional opportunities for Norway to influence and assist NATO and the international community in the process towards a world free of nuclear weapons.