The increasing prominence of nuclear weapons in national strategies and military arsenals is not an encouraging sign for the current nuclear non-proliferation regime. Recent discourse on its shortcomings emphasised the role of the weapons and the states possessing them, limiting the extent to which non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) can meaningfully participate. Even Southeast Asia, while not a major player in a traditional sense, is affected by these developments and thus cannot remain idle. In fact, its ongoing participation across regional and international initiatives aimed at nuclear safety and security demonstrates that quieter approaches should also be weighed in addressing the regime’s weaknesses.
Southeast Asia can play a role in a safer nuclear future | Lowy Institute
