The aim of this article is to examine the positions of nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states on non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the last three NPT Review Conferences. The central argument is that nuclear-weapon states wanted to develop more stringent measures regarding the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and preserve their autonomy in relation to other states, while making marginal concessions predominantly in the area of nuclear disarmament in order to minimize the opposition of non-nuclear-weapon states, especially in 2000 and 2010. Non-nuclear-weapon states wanted to avoid the adoption of measures proposed by the nuclear-weapon states that would undermine the inalienable right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy and extend the commitments of nuclear-weapon states with respect to nuclear disarmament.
NPT Review Conferences; nuclear non-proliferation; nuclear disarmament; peaceful uses of nuclear energy