<b>Policy brief.</b> Preventing Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: The Role of Sanctions

<p dir="ltr">Rising geopolitical tensions are fueling what appears to be a new nuclear arms race, marked by heightened nuclear proliferation risks and new pathways for illicit trade. Advances in cybercrime and cryptocurrency have further expanded the tools available to non-state actors and states alike, complicating global nonproliferation efforts. Traditionally, countries have relied on sanctions to curb nuclear proliferation, often without fully accounting for the underlying drivers of such behavior. Yet, sanctions alone rarely achieve their intended outcomes and can even strengthen a targeted regime’s resolve by reinforcing narratives of foreign hostility. To reduce escalation and foster meaningful engagement, sanction-sending countries should adopt a more balanced approach that integrates sanctions with strategic inducements. </p><p dir="ltr">Key recommendations include: </p><ul><li>Provide clear, consistent and unambiguous communication regarding the policy of sanctions as well as inducements. </li><li>Engage creatively to complement sanctions with clear and explicit policies of inducements.</li><li>Ensure the implementation of agreements is supported by reciprocal monitoring and inspection mechanisms, with the option to reintroduce punitive sanctions if necessary.</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Wallensteen, Peter and Armend Bekaj. Preventing Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: The Role of Sanctions. Notre Dame, IN: Keough School of Global Affairs, 2025. https://doi.org/10.7274/30273382</p>