Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty status

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is approaching its 30th anniversary since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on September 10, 1996. Although the treaty has gained near-universal support with 188 signatories and 179 ratifications, it has not yet officially entered into force.

To become operational, the treaty requires ratification from 44 specific countries listed in Annex 2. Historically, negotiations were unique because they bypassed the standard Conference on Disarmament consensus rule. While the treaty builds upon the 1963 Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, early negotiations faced hurdles from nations such as China and France, which cited a need for final tests to collect data.

Currently, the treaty’s status faces ongoing challenges. Russian authorities have attributed the delay to the United States, suggesting the U.S. aims to avoid international restrictions. Additionally, the voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing maintained by major powers since the 1990s is being questioned due to the current approach of the U.S. administration.