The UN Resolution on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

In September 1996, President Clinton signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT); however, the U.S. Senate soundly rejected the treaty and it has remained unratified. Despite the Senate’s rejection, President Obama is reportedly considering supporting a UN Security Council Resolution that could obligate the United State to abide by the aims of the CTBT.

On September 20, Hudson Institute hosted a distinguished panel to discuss the administration’s circumvention of the Senate, including the rationale and implications of such action. Featuring the Honorable Jon Kyl and the Honorable Stephen Rademaker, the panel also reviewed some of the reasons the Senate rejected the treaty in 1999 and why those concerns remain valid in the contemporary global environment. Hudson Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs moderated the discussion.