4.  Major nuclear powers have honored a voluntary moratorium since early 1990s.  The U.S. hasn’t conducted a nuclear test since 1992. Time Lapse of the World's Nuclear Weapons Tests, 1945-1998

5. Where nuclear tests can occur: 1. Atmosphere (above ground) 2. Underground 3. In space 4. Underwater at sea

7. NEVADA AND NEW MEXICO DESERTS SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

9. U.S. Test Site at Yucca Flats in the Nevada Desert

12. The Bikini Atoll was the site of early atomic weapons testing, including the first H-bomb in 1952. The United States conducted 67 atomic weapons tests on the atolls of Bikini and Enewetak in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958.

21.  Prohibits the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, in space, or underwater.  Only underground tests are permitted.  Signed by U.S., Britain, and the Soviet Union.

23.  Prohibits all testing of nuclear weapons, including underground tests.  President Clinton was the first world leader to sign this treaty.  Sent to Senate for ratification.

25.  1999 ratification vote failed in the Senate by a partisan vote of 51- 48.  All Democrats voted for the treaty and all but four Republicans were opposed.

27.  CTBT will not be in force until 44 specific “nuclear capable” states ratify it.  184 countries have signed the CTBT, but nine “nuclear capable” states have NOT ratified the treaty. U.S. China North Korea India Pakistan Israel Indonesia Iran Egypt

28. Read the provided newspaper article, NY Times editorial and Wall Street Journal op-ed piece on the merits of ratifying the CTBT and answer the questions on the accompanying handout You will be expected to know the arguments in support of the CTBT and the arguments against the treaty’s ratification.

29. YES!  Would make it harder for non-weapons states to do what? Obtain nuclear weapons, thus helping to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.  Would make it harder for nuclear weapons states to do what? Develop new types of nuclear weapons, thus making a new arms race less likely NO!  Rogue states can’t be trusted to do what? Comply with the treaty – even if they agree to sign it..  Would prevent the U.S. from doing what? Developing new types of nuclear weapons.

30. YES!NO!  Aging U.S. weapons must be tested in order to what? Ensure that they’re safe and that they still work.  Clandestine tests by rogue states might go… Undetected. Safety and reliability of existing weapons can be verified how? Without testing and using computer simulations Instead. International monitoring system now in place that would detect any secretly- conducted tests. Treaty also allows for inspections to verify compliance.

31. CTBT provides for for creation of global network of monitoring stations and laboratories meant to detect nuclear explosions.

34.  Obama supports Senate ratification of the CTBT.  Says we can’t expect other countries to stop seeking and testing nuclear weapons unless we agree to a permanent ban.

35.  What did the Limited Test Ban Treaty prohibit?  What would the CTBT prohibit?  Which six nuclear weapons states haven’t ratified the CTBT?  Why hasn’t the U.S. ratified the CTBT?  What are the main arguments in support of the CTBT?  What are the main arguments against the CTBT?  What is Obama’s position on the CTBT?