📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide

🌍 The Role of the Global Community in Handling Nuclear Non-Proliferation

🌐 Introduction to Nuclear Non-Proliferation

📖 Opening Context

Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity. The global community’s efforts in nuclear non-proliferation aim to prevent the spread of such weapons while promoting disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

📜 Topic Background

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), established in 1970, serves as the cornerstone for global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Recent geopolitical tensions, advancements in nuclear technology, and violations by states underline the topic’s urgency.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 🌍 NPT Signatories: 191 countries—except India, Pakistan, and Israel.
• ☢️ Nuclear Warheads Worldwide: ~13,000 (2023) concentrated in nine countries.
• 💰 Budget Allocations: U.S. nuclear arsenal modernization (~$634 billion by 2030).
• ⚠️ Recent Violations: Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 🏛️ United Nations (UN): Enforces resolutions, facilitates negotiations (e.g., IAEA).
• 🔬 IAEA: Monitors compliance with non-proliferation treaties.
• 🌐 Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): Play critical roles in setting disarmament precedents.
• 📢 Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS): Advocate for equitable disarmament.
• 🌱 Civil Society & NGOs: Push for treaties like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

✨ Achievements

• ✅ NPT Success: Prevented widespread nuclear weapon proliferation.
• 🤝 START Treaty: Bilateral reductions between U.S. and Russia (93% of nuclear stockpiles).
• 🛡️ IAEA Oversight: Comprehensive safeguards and inspections globally.

⚠️ Challenges

• 🚨 Treaty Violations: Iran and North Korea’s defiance.
• 💣 Modernization Trends: U.S. and Russia investing heavily in new arsenals.
• 🌎 Lack of Universality: Key nations like India, Pakistan, and Israel remain outside the NPT.

🌍 Global Comparisons

• 🌟 Success: South Africa voluntarily dismantled its nuclear arsenal.
• ❌ Challenge: North Korea’s withdrawal from NPT and nuclear tests.

📚 Case Studies

• 📖 Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): Initially successful in limiting enrichment but faced setbacks after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018.

💡 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• ✅ Supporting Stance: “The NPT has largely succeeded in preventing new nuclear states, saving the world from potential arms races in volatile regions.”
• 🛑 Opposing Stance: “The treaty is ineffective; countries like North Korea developed weapons while remaining parties face discriminatory policies.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While the NPT has curbed proliferation, emerging technologies and geopolitical tensions demand a stronger, more inclusive framework.”

🎯 Effective Discussion Approaches

• 📊 Opening Approaches:
  • Start with historical milestones like the Cuban Missile Crisis and NPT’s origin.
  • Highlight recent violations and their implications on global security.
• ⚡ Counter-Argument Handling:
  • Emphasize international cooperation, e.g., Iran Nuclear Deal’s potential revival.
  • Suggest technology controls and trust-building measures as solutions.

🧠 Strategic Analysis: SWOT

🏫 Connecting with B-School Applications

📚 Real-World Applications

• International diplomacy, risk assessment, and strategic planning.

🎓 Sample Interview Questions

• ❓ “How can global alliances strengthen nuclear non-proliferation efforts?”
• ❓ “Evaluate the impact of technology on nuclear disarmament policies.”

📘 Insights for Students

• 💡 Link frameworks to leadership in global projects, balancing national and international interests.