International Law is a set of regulations that are supposed to minimize the number of conflicts between states and help countries achieve compromise through means of diplomacy. Its origins can be traced back to 1648 when the Treaty of Westphalia was conducted in response to a thirty-year war that devastated the continent. The modern counterpart is the United Nations, an international organization that tries to promote peaceful cooperation, security, and make member states abide by human rights. Since peace is one of the UN’s main objectives, disarmament treaties are the most important in the modern-day world. This essay will examine the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, its influence, impact, and role.
United Nations was initially formed after the Second World War in 1946. Its original intent was to prevent future wars and promote diplomacy, alliances, and cooperation. The predecessor of the organization, the League of Nations, failed to stop the most massive war in human history; hence, a suitable replacement with necessary adjustments was needed. The organization had only 51 member-states; however, now it encompasses almost every state that has proved its sovereignty and loyalty to such values as peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights.
The treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was signed in 1968. Its influence cannot be underestimated because weapons of mass destruction should not be considered as a viable option. They put countries in a permanent state of aggression and give an unfair advantage to the countries that possess the technology. Sovereign bodies can exert an enormous influence on neighboring states that do not have the means to defend themselves (Müller & Wunderlich, 2020). Nuclear warheads can also be used to effectively erase an entire sovereign state, which is the kind of leverage that is not acceptable in peaceful negotiations.
In conclusion, the United Nations is an international organization that strives to achieve more stable and peaceful relationships between countries and promotes diplomatic means instead of armed conflicts. Its main goal is to prevent war and foster alliances, cooperation, trade, and respect for human rights. The treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is considered one of the most influential since it eliminates any state’s ability to intimidate other countries and promotes the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Reference
Müller H., & Wunderlich C. (2020). Nuclear Disarmament without the Nuclear-Weapon States: The Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty. Daedalus, 142(2), 171-189. Web.