Why did India not sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty? An analysis from realist and critical constructivist perspectives

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the reasons why did India not become a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Realism and critical constructivism are chosen as the two theories to examine the constant factors leading to the Indian decision. First, Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) is analyzed. Second, premises of offensive and defensive and neoclassical realism and their explanations of the Indian decision are highlighted and compared. Third, critical constructivist examination of the Indian decision is conducted mostly based on Jutta Weldes’ arguments. Last, the explanations of three variants of realism and critical constructivism on India’s decision are compared. It is concluded that realist variants explain the continuity of Indian decision as not joining the NPT mostly because of material elements, however, critical constructivists also show social, cultural and historical constructions behind the scene as important factors and try to point out to the internal dynamics that play a role in the representational practices.