MONGOLIA

Abstract

Formed according to broad principles laid out by the United Nations, nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) play an important role in promoting nuclear nonproliferation, paralleling and complementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. But the traditional regional treaty-based path to establishing NWFZs is not open to all states. Owing to various factors, some countries cannot realistically follow the path of states that have established traditional NWFZs. Mongolia, having declared itself a single-state NWFZ in 1992 and gained UN General Assembly recognition of this status in 1998, may provide an example for other countries to follow. This viewpoint presents Mongolia's case as a state seeking to acquire a nontraditional nuclear-weapon-free status despite unfavorable geopolitical circumstances. The case of Mongolia clearly demonstrates that the creation of a credible, single-state NWFZ status is possible, but demands the support and flexibility of both neighboring states and the nuclear weapon states.

Keywords:

• Nuclear-weapon-free zones
• Nonproliferation
• Nuclear weapons
• Mongolia
• Non-nuclear weapon states

Notes

1. Global Security Newswire, “U.S., North Korea Exchange Nuclear Proposals, Hold Bilateral Meeting in Beijing,” June 24, 2004; Global Security Newswire, “U.S. Offer to North Korea Detailed,” July 13, 2004, <www.nti.org/newswire>.

2. Global Security Newswire, “South Korea Complies with NPT, Diplomat Says,” Oct. 14, 2004, <www.nti.org/newswire>.

3. Austrian Parliament, Federal Constitutional Act Concerning a Nuclear-Free Austria, July 1, 1999, <www.gsinstitute.org/pnnd/docs/federal_constitutional_act_concerning_a_nuclear-free_austria.html>.

4. Law of Mongolia on Its nuclear-weapon-free status, Feb. 3, 2000, <www.gsinstitute.org/pnnd/docs/law_of_mongolia_on_its_nuclear weapon free_status.html>.