Difference between revisions of "The Nuclear Terrorism Act"

Latest revision as of 14:04, 5 August 2006

History of the Resolution

The Nuclear Terrorism Act (authored by Powerhungry Chipmunks) is the result of an extensive lineage of attempts to produce some form of nuclear legislation. Originally drafted and submitted as Nuclear Arm and Technology, it failed to reach quorum in the nuclear policy-divided United Nations until its focus was established as nuclear terrorism. The history of the Nuclear Terrorism Act is a history of drafting and adjustment.

The UN had rejected every proposal regarding nuclear regulation (including the proposals UN Reduced Arms Proposal, Stop Nuclear Escalation, Ban on RT Equipment and the failed resolution, the End Nuclear Proliferation Act), previous The Nuclear Terrorism Act. When it was still Nuclear Arms and Technology, it began following a similar path. The drafting process, however, uncovered wrinkles in the UN which were hindering the progress of nuclear legislation. First, with the fact that non-UN members were unaffected by resolutions, it was seen as unwise by many to pass laws which put UN nations at a strategic disadvantage, as many of the proposals did. Second, nuclear discussion tended to lead to dry, wordy, and overly zealous proposals, which often failed to catch enough delegates' eyes to grant any such proposal quorum.

Through the drafting and resubmitting process of Nuclear Arms and Technology, two UN member nations, Jovianica and Frisbeeteria, addressed these problems.

"You know what's killing you? The name. Nuclear Arms and Technology just doesn't get the juices flowing" advised Frisbeeteria during the discussion. Jovianica also pointed out, "You said earlier that you were concerned about non-proliferation. Maybe that should be more of a focus"

Thus the proposal became the Nuclear Terrorism Act, and through further drafts, rewrites, and resubmissions it transformed into the current passed resolution.

Those opposed to the resolution cite 'vagueness' as their primary cause for dissent. "It has no teeth!" was a phrase often voiced in the debate. The author-state, Powerhungry Chipmunks, has never openly denied this. During the long and sometimes taut debate over the proposal when it reached quorum, Powerhungry Chipmunks representatives often acknowledged it's failures, though they continued attempts to spin these to their favor.

The UN as a whole is still much undecided about the impact of this resolution. Those in favor often quote that the first step to a better world is often a small one. Those opposed maintain the ideology that this legislation will hurt the chances of further, more specific, wider-reaching legislation to come about. The issue of nuclear regulation (even for nuclear terrorism), in many ways, has yet to be resolved.

Text of the Resolution

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the danger of terrorists (or other malignant, independent organizations) acquiring nuclear weapons and technologies,

NOTING the responsibility of nations to monitor and manage their nuclear weapons and technologies,

AFFIRMING the UN's role as example to the world,

1. PROHIBITS the sale or transfer of nuclear arms, devices, or technologies to known or suspected terrorist organizations;

2. DISCOURAGES STRONGLY the sale or transfer of nuclear arms or technology to any extra-national organization;

3. CAUTIONS AGAINST the proliferation of arms or technologies to irresponsible nations;

4. CALLS UPON UN member nations to maintain adequate security over and records of nuclear arms and technology;

5. IDENTIFIES WITH and ENDORSES positive and responsible nuclear weapons practices everywhere.

Votes For: 12,555

Votes Against: 3,346

Implemented: Sat Oct 2 2004

Additional Materials

• The Nuclear Terrorism Act Proposal Campaign
• United Nations
• UN Timeline