The Joe Walker Podcast Richard Butler — Nuclear Diplomacy at the End of History
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Nov 29, 2024 Richard Butler, a retired Australian diplomat and former UN ambassador, shares his extensive experience in nuclear disarmament. He discusses the major treaties like the NPT and CTBT, highlighting Australia's nuanced stance on nuclear diplomacy. Butler recounts humorous and poignant anecdotes from negotiations, including his memorable Moscow trip. He reflects on the global rise of nuclear-armed states and the challenges of multilateralism. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening and innovative tactics in effective diplomacy.
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Butler's Bulletin Article
- Richard Butler opposed Australia's initial refusal to sign the NPT, advocating for it in an article.
- He compared Philip Baxter, a proponent of nuclear weapons development in Australia, to Dr. Strangelove.
Importance of NPT Extension
- The NPT's 25-year review was crucial for its indefinite extension, driven by American efforts to prevent its lapse.
- This highlights the perceived importance of the NPT in nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
The NPT Bargain
- The NPT's core bargain, nuclear disarmament by nuclear states in exchange for non-proliferation by others, faced challenges.
- Non-nuclear states felt the nuclear powers hadn't upheld their commitment to disarmament, threatening the treaty's extension.
