Nuclear power and the Non Proliferation Treaty: how the carrot became a turnip

In September 1985 the 3rd Review Conference of the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) saw the demands of developing countries for improved access to nuclear technology move from the centre of discussions to the periphery. This almost certainly reflects the declining importance attached to nuclear power as an energy source by the vast majority of these countries. The NPT is the world's only multilateral treaty aimed at halting both the spread and the build up of nuclear weapons. One hundred and thirty nations have signed the Treaty which came into force in 1970. In return for the non-nuclear states eschewing the bomb, they are offered preferred access to nuclear power and a firm promise that the three nuclear signatories, the USA, the USSR and the UK will move towards meaningful disarmament. (author)