As the 2026 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference approaches, concerns are mounting that it will, like the previous two cycles, fail to reach a consensus. The upcoming conference, scheduled for April 27-May 22 in New York, echoes the challenges faced during the landmark 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, a moment many consider crucial to the treaty’s longevity. That 1995 conference, though, saw a surprising degree of success, largely due to the diplomatic efforts of several nations, including a particularly impactful contribution from South Africa.
The indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995 was not a foregone conclusion. Divisions among participating nations regarding the treaty’s core principles were and remain, significant. The success of the 1995 conference hinged on securing commitments to the NPT’s future relevance, a goal achieved through “strong commitment from states-parties to seek visionary solutions and creative leadership from key diplomatic participants,” according to analysis of the event. South Africa played a key role in bridging divides and fostering an environment conducive to agreement.
South Africa’s Unexpected Leadership
Following the end of apartheid and the dismantling of its own nuclear weapons program, South Africa emerged as an unexpected champion of nuclear non-proliferation. The nation’s unique position – having both developed and then voluntarily relinquished nuclear weapons – lent significant credibility to its advocacy. At the 1995 conference, South Africa was a “main intellectual driver” behind key decisions that garnered support from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and propelled the conference toward a successful conclusion. These decisions included the adoption of the “Principles and Objectives” document and a resolution to strengthen the treaty’s review process.
The 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference is considered one of the most significant, and controversial, moments in the treaty’s history. Its outcome proved crucial for subsequent successful meetings in 2000 and 2010, though many of the agreements reached at those later conferences have since been undermined. The conference took place on May 11, 1995, when delegates from 175 countries agreed by consensus to extend the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons indefinitely.
Key Agreements and the Strengthened Review Process
A central outcome of the 1995 conference was a commitment to strengthen the NPT’s review process. The Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons agreed to enhance the process to ensure the treaty’s objectives, as outlined in its Preamble and provisions, were being realized. This involved a renewed focus on evaluating the implementation of Article VIII, paragraph 3, of the Treaty.
The success of the 1995 conference wasn’t simply about extending the treaty; it was about establishing a framework for ongoing dialogue and accountability. However, the subsequent failures of review conferences in recent years raise questions about the durability of those commitments. Some analysts suggest that another unsuccessful review conference in 2026 could render the NPT irrelevant, relegating it to the status of a relic of the Cold War era.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The challenges facing the 2026 NPT Review Conference are substantial. The divides among delegations on fundamental issues related to the treaty remain as wide, if not wider, than they were in 1995. The legacy of South Africa’s leadership at the 1995 conference serves as a reminder of the importance of visionary diplomacy and a commitment to finding common ground. Whether states-parties can replicate that spirit of cooperation in the current geopolitical climate remains to be seen. The outcome of the April 27-May 22 conference in New York will be a critical test of the NPT’s continued viability.
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