Topic: 2025 – No First Use Policies and Nuclear Disarmament
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Tillee Woods
Country: Italy
Delegate: Tillee Woods
School: Williamston High School
Committee: DISEC
Topic: No First Use Policy and Nuclear Disarmament
Since the United States first used the nuclear bomb against Japan in 1945, the question was raised about what to do with the technology. While some people consider nuclear weapons as dangerous technology that should be eradicated, others consider it vital for the security of nations that possess it. During the arms race of the Cold War, several treaties went into effect to limit the two superpower’s access to nuclear weapons. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) led to the creation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, which limited missile defense to 200, then 100 receptors. SALT I also banned the creation of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In 1994, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I (START I) was put into force and was the first treaty that forced the US and USSR to significantly reduce the amount of nuclear weapons they had. SALT II was discussed and it would make a limit on the amount of nuclear weapons they possessed and completely get rid of ICBMs. Although this treaty never went into force, the spirit of arms reduction continues to this day.
Italy currently holds 35 nuclear weapons belonging to the US military in the Aviano Air Base and the Ghedi Air Base. Due to Italy’s affiliation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Italy believes that it should be allowed to retain the nuclear weapons it stores for the US. Italy has refused to sign or ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and has continuously voted against GA resolutions to ratify it. However, over 100 Italian cities express support for the TPNW. A YouGov poll conducted in 2020 showed that 87% of Italians believed that their country should join the TPNW. Due to the pressure of Italian cities, the Italian parliament created a resolution saying that it would consider the TPNW, and revived that resolution in 2023. In a speech delivered to the GA in 2024, Italy said that NATO’s nuclear-sharing policy was in line with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which Italy ratified in 1975. The Italian government also claimed that it would attend meetings for TPNW states, which it has not.
Italy believes that, as long as there are nuclear weapons, they should only be used for defense and to prevent war. Italy has expressed concern about the gradual collapse of disarmament efforts and feels that Russia is responsible for it. Due to this, Italy will support countries that chose disarmament, and even support legislation that strengthens the call to disarmament. In the future, Italy will continue looking into the possibility of joining the TPNW while considering its beliefs on NATO membership and international safety. While Italy does not agree in total nuclear disarmament, it does agree with not using nuclear weapons. Italy will continue in its belief that nuclear weapons can be helpful in preventing war, and will help to make sure that other nations understand the dangers of nuclear weapons and why they should not be used.
