Navigating the AUKUS Alliance: Implications for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime

Abstract

The alliance, comprising Australia, the UK, and the US (AUKUS), has sparked concerns regarding its alignment with the principles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This study delves into potential NPT violations by AUKUS and evaluates the probable impact of this alliance on the global non-proliferation regime. The NPT, a cornerstone of global security, seeks to promote disarmament and impede the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The study examines regional implications through the lens of the security dilemma, anticipating that AUKUS's provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia could trigger a regional arms race. Despite Australia’s non-nuclear-weapons status, the decision to furnish advanced nuclear technology raises questions about adherence to the NPT and the potential for setting a precedent that erodes nonproliferation goals. AUKUS could impact the NPT by potentially inducing hostilities among signatories, diverting attention from disarmament efforts, and altering regional security dynamics. The study emphasizes the imperative of upholding the NPT’s integrity and the global objective to curb nuclear proliferation amidst evolving international dynamics.