This article analyzes how certain non-nuclear weapons states have become prominent contributors to the global nuclear nonproliferation regime despite their absence of such weapons. The first section of this manuscript reviews the achievements of Kazakhstan in countering the vertical and horizontal spread of nuclear weapons. These contributions include eliminating it’s the nuclear arsenal Kazakhstan inherited from the Soviet Union and discouraging other countries from seeking nuclear weapons. The second section compares the Kazakhstan case to that of the Republic of Korea (ROK), which has also hit above its weight in the nuclear proliferation domain, especially regarding enhancing the security of nuclear materials. The next part reviews some of the challenges facing each state’s nonproliferation policies. These include Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulting nuclear dangers and renewed great-power rivalries that establish an unfavorable environment for nuclear progress and have even elevated interest among some South Koreans in acquiring nuclear weapons. The next part then suggests possible areas for joint initiatives between Kazakhstan and South Korea, such as measures to strengthen nuclear security in general and the security of nuclear facilities in potential war zones in particular. The concluding session analyzes the diverging and common drivers explaining the two countries’ behavior, such as their alliance ties and nuclear histories.

Abstract

Kazakhstan’s Emergence as a Middle Power in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Realm

Nonproliferation Partnership with the United States

South Korea’s Contributions

Challenges

Concluding Observations

References