The development of the international initiative on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and its effect on the nuclear weapons debate. (16th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kmentt, Alexander
• Is Part Of: International review of the Red Cross. Volume 97:Number 899(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 681
• Page End: 709
• Publication Date: 2016-02-16
• Subjects: nuclear weapons, -- humanitarian initiative, -- humanitarian impact, -- risk of nuclear weapons, -- nuclear deterrence, -- international humanitarian law; Red Cross and Red Crescent -- Periodicals; Humanitarian law -- Periodicals; Humanitarianism -- Periodicals; 361.772
• DOI: 10.1017/S1816383116000059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1816-3831

Abstract

Abstract: This article describes the genesis of the humanitarian initiative and the political context in which it has developed in the course of the joint cross-regional statements and the three international conferences on this issue in Norway, Mexico and Austria. It examines the key substantive conclusions that have emerged as a result of this debate and assesses their relevance for the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It concludes that these facts and findings warrant an urgent reassessment of the so-called security value of nuclear weapons and a nuclear deterrence-based notion of stability and security.