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Report: Common Security through Nuclear Responsibilities – Perspectives from Geneva

In March 2019, BASIC and ICCS staff held a closed-door roundtable at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) to introduce Conference on Disarmament representatives from a wide range of Non-Nuclear Weapon States to the nuclear responsibilities frame.

Participants discussed how to take the nuclear responsibilities framework forward, including how to include non-NPT nuclear possessor states, the pros and cons of the application of the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ around nuclear weapons, and the relationships between legal and normative responsibilities.

The lead author was Alice Spilman, who from September 2019 will be joining the ICCS at the University of Birmingham as PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science and International Studies and BASIC through a collaborative studentship, working as an Analyst on BASIC and ICCS’s Programme on Nuclear Responsibilities.

Professor Nicholas J. Wheeler contributed research on ‘security dilemma sensibility’ and ‘treaty regime fragility awareness,’ which are explained in the report.

Key Takeaways

  • Inclusion of nuclear weapon possessor states, both inside and outside the NPT, is vital for a constructive discussion of nuclear responsibilities and the possibilities for global nuclear risk-reduction.
  • Highlighting awareness of nuclear responsibilities should not denigrate the importance of existing treaty commitments, especially the NPT, and the need for all state parties to live up to their promises.
  • The nuclear responsibilities framework could make an important contribution by helping to give greater clarity to existing commitments, whilst providing an opportunity for states to find new and cooperative ways to meet these obligations.
  • State officials need to cultivate increased empathy and understanding of the security concerns of others, and to develop policies that promote reassurance rather than conflict in situations where states share common interests.

The report is available here or by clicking the cover below.

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“BASIC’s depth of knowledge and administrative competence makes it an excellent partner in the field of military nuclear capability and arms control”

Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG British diplomat

“At a time when transatlantic relationships are under tension, BASIC's role as a source of authoritative analysis is more important than ever.”

Baron Rees of Ludlow Astronomer Royal

“BASIC makes a vital contribution to sustaining recognition that nearly 35 years after the end of the Cold War nuclear weapons continue to put at risk the future of humankind. BASIC is especially to be commended for doing this by fostering dialogue and understanding.”

Peter Jenkins CMG UK Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency 2001-06

``For about 35 years, in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, BASIC have championed the cause of mutuality of security. Their ability to engage diversity of views and opinion has attracted deserved admiration.``

Baron Browne of Ladyton Vice Chairman, Nuclear Threat Initiative and former UK Secretary of State for Defence

``For more than three decades, BASIC has challenged conventional thinking on national security matters, and inspired new ways of addressing and solving old problems. I expect it to continue to play this vital role for decades to come.``

Andreas Persbo Director, Open Nuclear Network
Contact

If you would like to contact individual members of our team, you can find our email addresses on the staff page.

+44 20 3488 6974

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