Efforts to prohibit nuclear testing have been motivated by both arms control and environmental concerns. The 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty prohibits all nuclear explosions. However, prospects for its entry into force appear remote in view of the unmet prerequisite of ratification by 44 specified states (including India, Pakistan, North Korea and the United States). Future nuclear testing remains possible.

Materials extracted here include the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, earlier treaties on nuclear testing, and the 1974 decision of the International Court of Justice in the Nuclear Test Case.