As always, we share recent activities from our network, including analysis on the upcoming US presidential election, the Putin-Kim summit, Southeast Asia’s strategic outlook, US-China relations, and more.

As the nuclear armament debate continues in South Korea, ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke writes on how the TPNW can be used to strengthen the “nuclear taboo”, reinforce the fragile nuclear non-proliferation regime, and help pave the way to a more peaceful and secure future for all. She urges South Korea to reconsider its position and embrace the treaty, in light of its historical memories of nuclear harm and regional security challenges, including the ongoing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

In this report, Becky Alexis-Martin, Qurat Ul Ain, Kolby Kaller, Ben Donaldson, and Matthew Maslen explain the legacy of nuclear weapons in the Pacific and the role that the TPNW can play in realising nuclear justice. The authors focus on Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty, which stipulate that States Parties must pursue environmental remediation and victim assistance for individuals and communities harmed by the use and testing of nuclear weapons. They offer recommendations on how the TPNW can operationalise these commitments, including through the creation of an Environmental Remediation and Victim Assistance Trust Fund.

Angela Woodward argues that the lack of a definitive call to launch an international trust fund for victim assistance and environmental remediation reflects the challenge that many state parties to the TPNW are developing nations, while wealthier potential donors remain outside the treaty. Addressing concerns about allowing nuclear-armed states to contribute to the fund without joining the treaty is crucial for achieving universal adherence.

Marianne Hanson outlines the history of the Meeting of States Parties and sums up the key activities and decisions of the 2MSP. She underscores the achievements and challenges of the 2MSP, acknowledging that despite their limitations, the Meetings of States Parties to the TPNW are the sole significant forum for addressing nuclear weapons in a productive manner, and that these meetings should not be dismissed lightly.

APLN has over 150 members from 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Each week we feature their latest contributions
to global and regional security debates.

Beyond the Putin-Kim Alliance: How Can the International Community Engage China to Contain Nuclear Risks Over the Korean Peninsula?

Quo Vadis, America?