Can nuclear weapons be abolished?

One of the greatest threats to virtually all human rights is a global or regional nuclear war. For so long as nuclear weapons exist, there is a risk that they may be used. If nuclear war is to be avoided, therefore, nuclear weapons must be abolished. The abolition of nuclear weapons by international treaty is topical because for the first time the issue is on the political agenda. This article discusses the political and security issues which affect future decisions on nuclear weapons. Particular attention is given to the spread of nuclear weapons to countries which do not now have them, often said to be today's main nuclear threat to global security, and the difficulty of negotiating a treaty banning the future production of fissile nuclear materials for nuclear weapons. Finally, the problem of getting rid of the last few nuclear weapons is examined.