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Multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation

We aim to bolster the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament regimes, particularly the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We provide ideas, analysis and research resources that support the efforts of serving diplomats in the NPT process. We also focus on specific regional challenges to the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament system, including the future of nuclear diplomacy with Iran, and (in partnership with our sister Asia-Pacific Leadership Network) understanding Indo-Pacific perspectives on strategic risks. The ELN’s work has supported the P5 Dialogue, with a view to encouraging the NPT nuclear weapon states to engage jointly in strategic risk reduction. We also work to support the CTBT and encourage its entry into force and want to deepen the understanding of the concept of irreversibility in nuclear disarmament.

Latest Publications

Commentary

The Women Leaders podcast: As missiles fly

One year since Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel, Israel’s consequent offensive in Gaza, and Hezbollah’s initial rocket campaign in northern Israel, it appears as if the violence in the Middle East is only getting worse. In this unique episode, Women Leaders is building a bridge: Fania Oz-Salzberger, Professor of History at Haifa University and renowned public intellectual, and Roula from Beirut — for security reasons, we cannot release her real name — join ELN Senior Associate Fellow Ilana Bet-El for an in-depth discussion of Israeli and Lebanese politics, the involvement of women in decision-making, and the hope of one day seeing a new Middle East.

4 October 2024 | Ilana Bet-El and Florence Ferrando
Iran
Commentary

A view from Israel: Pezeshkian’s Israel stance could undermine his domestic priorities and nuclear diplomacy

The election of Masoud Pezeshkian as Iran’s new president in July was met with little enthusiasm in Israel. Meir Javedanfar writes that, in a post-7 October world, the Iranian president’s policy on Israel could impact his desire for improved relations with the West and, in turn, undermine his domestic priorities and a potential nuclear deal.

27 September 2024 | Meir Javedanfar
IranMultilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation
Commentary

Strengthening the Chemical Weapons Convention in Africa: The role of civil society and global south participation

In pursuit of comprehensive chemical security and to strengthen the CWC across the African continent, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) should enhance cooperation with civil society organisations by establishing structured and sustained dialogue, amplifying their voices, and supporting projects promoting CWC ratification and implementation. Kudakwashe Mapako writes that addressing the current challenges faced by civil society organisations from the global south is a first step.

13 August 2024 | Kudakwashe Mapako
Multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation
Report

Protecting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in turbulent times: Commentary collection

This commentary collection compiles 15 articles by 18 ELN network members and external collaborators as part of the ELN’s Protecting the Non-Proliferation Treaty project. The collection was originally published for the 2024 NPT Preparatory Committee.

31 July 2024 | Oliver Meier, Michael Biontino, Sanaa Alvira, Shizuka Kuramitsu, Olamide Samuel, Dr Irmgard Niemeyer, Maren Vieluf, Ananya Agustin Malhotra, Ward Wilson, Paul Ingram, Adam Thomson, Julia Berghofer, Alexander Kmentt, Pavel Podvig, Maximilian Hoell, Tarja Cronberg, Rishi Paul and Daniel Ajudeonu
Multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferationNPT Project
Commentary

Why Iran’s missile strikes pose a real problem for Pakistan

Recent conventional skirmishes between Iran and Pakistan highlight the fact that having nuclear weapons does not guarantee that the ‘have nots’ will refrain from pursuing military action against a nuclear-armed state and all the associated escalatory risks that entails. ELN Senior Policy Fellow Dr Rishi Paul writes that in light of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the fact that Pakistan is not a signatory to the NPT, it is incumbent upon Islamabad to build the appropriate bilateral mechanisms to prevent any potential future escalations that could come about should Iran join the nuclear ‘club’.

25 July 2024 | Rishi Paul
Multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferationNPT Project
Commentary

Deterrence of non-nuclear strategic threats: the case against deterring new technologies

The US, Russia, and the UK have explicitly stated their intention to deter non-nuclear strategic threats from new technologies with nuclear weapons. ELN Senior Policy Fellow Julia Berghofer writes that this could have destabilising effects, opening the door to new vulnerabilities and escalation risks. The N5 should discuss these policies as part of their longstanding dialogue on nuclear doctrines, and a public debate is required to explore potential alternative approaches.

23 July 2024 | Julia Berghofer
Emerging Disruptive Technologies and risk reductionMultilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferationNPT Project
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