American Nuclear Policy To South Asia 1964-1979

Nuclear policy has always been one of the most important parts of American national security strategy since the Cold War. The United States led and promoted the formulization of international nonproliferation regime. However, American did not whole-heartedly control nuclear proliferation. American nuclear non-proliferation policy to South Asia serves its Cold War strategy. America tried to draw in India and Pakistan, and tried to control nuclear proliferation in the worldwide. But American Cold War interests in South Asia were contrary to its nuclear non-proliferation interests.The formation, development and failure causes of American non-proliferation policy to South Asia should be found in this thesis. It consists of two chapters. During 1964 to 1973, America formulated nuclear non-proliferation policy which was viewed as "limited-mutual interests" between America and Soviet Union, and impelled the signature of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) with Soviet Union. The second chapter is written from 1974 to 1979. India detonated a nuclear explosive device in Pokhran in Rajasthan which undermined the international nuclear nonproliferation process. During 1974 to 1979, America moderately responded Indian nuclear boast, and strengthened the control regime of nuclear export and the safeguards to nuclear importing countries through Zangger committee and Nuclear Suppliers Group. In 1976, the U.S. passed the Symington Amendment, obstructed the nuclear cooperation between France and Pakistan. And the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act was adopted in 1978 which legally confirmed the safeguards on nuclear trade.This thesis researched three causes of the failure of American nuclear policy to South Asia. The U.S. did not meet Indian and Pakistan security needs which led the two countries refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and greatly reduced the sanction of the treaty. Non-proliferation interests were not the highest priority of American foreign policy, and it should make way for the interests of the Cold War. The foundation of the cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union on nuclear issues was unstable. The cooperation between the two great powers could not take effect durably and efficiently.