This doctoral thesis examines the evolution of international nuclear trade controls over time. The thesis uses a loose research framework derived in part from academic literature on collective action problems to address the primary research question: why have nuclear non-proliferation trade controls evolved in a sub-optimal fashion since the dawn of the nuclear age despite a general consensus among the great powers that nuclear proliferation is something to be avoided? This loose framework is applied to a number of case study chapters which each examine a specific period ranging from the end of the Second World War until 2003. A number of specific proliferation episodes are also examined within these chapters to highlight the effect of controls at key junctures. The overall finding of this thesis is that non-proliferation trade controls have evolved in a sub-optimal way as a result of structural issues created in the early nuclear age when the Atoms for Peace initiative went forward absent an effective system of control. While it is shown that efforts have been undertaken to strengthen controls over time, usually in response to specific shocks, it is argued that these measures have been inherently limited in effect because the structural factors present in the early nuclear age allowed for the unchecked emergence of vested interests which proved difficult to overcome. Additionally, states have routinely placed other foreign policy priorities ahead of the goal of non-proliferation which has had the effect of weakening the impetus to address the long-standing structural issues. The thesis further argues that the adoption of relevant binding UN Chapter VII Security Council resolutions can be understood as an attempt to overcome some of the structural limitations of the international nuclear trade regime although the effectiveness of these measures has been limited as a result of a combination of vested interests and the effects of globalisation. As a result, known gaps persist in the international trade control regime.
Opportunities seized and lost: the evolution of international nuclear non-proliferation trade controls
Stewart, I. J. (Author). 1 Dec 2018
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy