Nuclear responsibilities and the NPT: Advancing the nuclear responsibilities approach

Abstract

As part of an ongoing project with the University of Stirling, BASIC co-hosted a “Nuclear Responsibilities and the NPT” workshop with the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on 10 September 2025. The following report was written by Dr Megan Dee from the University’s Centre for Policy, Conflict and Cooperation Research (CPCCR) and presented at this workshop. The views expressed in the report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of BASIC or the CPCCR. Based on collaborative work with BASIC’s Nuclear Responsibilities Programme co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Nuclear Responsibilities and the NPT: Advancing the Nuclear Responsibilities Approach Report examines how nuclear responsibilities language is used within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework. By drawing on detailed analysis of the 2025 Preparatory Committee (PrepCom), it reveals that while “responsibility” discourse is widespread across NPT debates, it’s increasingly used to assign blame and justify national positions. This subsequently fuels polarisation rather than constructive dialogue and improved accountability. The report outlines why and how states can advance a nuclear responsibilities approach within the NPT – a method grounded in introspection, empathy, and dialogue. It presents a five-step strategy involving critical reflection, establishing communities of practice, minilateral dialogue, multilateral engagement, and sustained commitment. With the NPT facing mounting challenges ahead of the 2026 Review Conference, this approach offers a constructive pathway to depolarise contentious issues, build confidence, and strengthen multilateral cooperation.