There is no unequivocal and explicit prohibition of nuclear weapons under international law, although it significantly restricts the possibility for lawful use. With regard to possession, production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, a number of regimes constitute important regulatory frameworks that to a large degree have prevented nuclear proliferation.
In contrast to other legal regimes pertaining to weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapon use, production, transfer and possession are not explicitly prohibited. Disarmament obligations are challenging to enforce.
Research Team
This research project was carried out by Stuart Casey-Maslen.
