Nuclear Conundrum of Iran and North Korea: From Proliferation Crisis to Non-Proliferation Promise?

This book examines Iran and North Korea from a non-proliferation lens. It highlights how these two countries stand out as nuclear challenges vis-à-vis the NPT and unpacks their nuclear history, recent developments, externalities; nuclear resolve in the times of the pandemic and future challenges in a comprehensive manner. It shows how these two issues remain similar, distinguished, dynamic but static so far progress on non-proliferation is concerned. The need for understanding these issues is accentuated as the current state of play related to both remain worrisome and unpredictable. Further, recent events such as the nuclear signalling during the Ukraine crisis; failure of the tenth NPT Review Conference at a time when there is an erosion of mutual trust between two nuclear adversaries—the US and Russia, has renewed attention to nuclear issues in the post-pandemic era. While challenges multiply, consensus is difficult to arrive at as global institutions remain paralysed. Lofty goals of nuclear disarmament and preserving of non-proliferation order seems to have taken a backseat. The book assumes significance in this context. It will be a valuable read for students, scholars, academicians, policy practitioners and anyone invested and interested in nuclear issues. Dr. Hina Pandey is a Policy Analyst, having demonstrated research experience focussing on nuclear issues, including non-proliferation, security, energy-politics and the US-India’s foreign policy. This book is a part of projects undertaken during her tenure at CAPS. She is currently working as a Consultant to the Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division (D&ISA), MEA, GoI. In 2018, she concluded a Visiting Fellowship for the South Asian Voices (SAV), Stimson Centre, Washington DC. She has presented her work in India and abroad (participated in Track-II dialogues; roundtables) and has regularly published her research papers in CAPS journals including Air Power and Defence & Diplomacy.