The issue of the role of nuclear weapons in international politics, whether it can be abolished or controlled is part of a long historical debate about the role of arms races in causing wars. History shows that disarmament was not successfully implemented and thus a new concept was born, arms control. The report continues in describing the arms control situation with specific reference to nuclear weapons. The non-proliferation treaty as supported by America, Britain and the Soviet Union was opposed by several countries that accused the three main powers of trying to rule the world. South Africa’s position with regard to nuclear weapons was questionable as possession of nuclear weapons was never admitted nor denied.
