Publication

This paper explores the controversies surrounding the definitions, verification procedures and scope of the proposed Fissile Material (Cut-off) Treaty (FM(C)T), which would ban the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. The first section of the text grapples with the difficulties of defining the term “fissile material” for FM(C)T purposes. The second section then examines how selected definitions would impact treaty verification activities at production facilities and further downstream. Finally, the third section reviews the measures that would be necessary to extend the scope of the treaty to preexisting stocks of fissile materials and to ensure the irreversible elimination of excess military material.