1. Nuclear Proliferation

Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons, fissionable material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology and information to nations not recognized as "Nuclear Weapon States." It is divided into two types:

• Horizontal Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons to states that do not already possess them.
• Vertical Proliferation: The increase in the number and capability of nuclear weapons by states that already have them.

Security Dilemma

This is a core concept in Global Politics where a state's effort to increase its own security (by acquiring nuclear weapons) causes other states to feel less secure, leading them to acquire similar weapons, which paradoxically makes everyone less safe.

2. Major Arms Control Treaties

To manage the threat of nuclear war, the international community created several legal frameworks:

A. Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT, 1968)

Based on three pillars: Non-proliferation, Disarmament, and the Right to peacefully use nuclear energy. It recognizes only 5 states as nuclear powers (USA, Russia, UK, France, China).
India's Stance: India refused to sign it, calling it "discriminatory" because it creates a permanent divide between nuclear "haves" and "have-nots."

B. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT, 1996)

A multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
Note: It has not yet entered into force because several key states (including India, Pakistan, and the US) have either not signed or not ratified it.

3. International Terrorism: Concept and Evolution

International terrorism is the use of violence or the threat of violence to instill fear and attain political, religious, or ideological goals across national borders. Unlike traditional warfare, it targets non-combatants (civilians).

Evolution of Terrorism

• State-Sponsored Terrorism: When a government provides support, funding, or safe haven to terrorist groups to harm another state.
• Transnational Terrorism: Groups that operate globally without being tied to a single territory (e.g., Al-Qaeda, ISIS).
• New Terrorism: Characterized by decentralized networks, use of the internet for radicalization, and the aim for mass casualties rather than specific political negotiations.

4. Global Responses to Terrorism

After the 9/11 attacks, global security shifted toward a "Global War on Terror."

Key Mechanisms

• UN Security Council Resolution 1373: Requires all member states to criminalize the financing of terrorism and share intelligence.
• FATF (Financial Action Task Force): An intergovernmental organization that monitors money laundering and terrorist financing. Countries that fail to comply are placed on "grey" or "black" lists.
• Intelligence Sharing: Enhanced cooperation between agencies like Interpol and national security bureaus.

5. Exam Focus: Tips and FAQs