Speaker
Description
Current international diplomacy cannot secure a state’s support of the CTBT without the internal citizen-based support of the Treaty. In most regime types, the citizen masses are often vital to influencing government decisions. For instance, in the late 1960s, anti-nuclear testing groups were instrumental in bringing the issue of nuclear disarmament to national elections. Alongside international support, the public voice greatly influenced legislation on nuclear disarmament in nations across the globe. The CTBTO can look to the precedent of citizen mobilization to increase global outreach on nuclear disarmament. Through the establishment of national citizen-based branches of the CTBTO, the Organization can promote greater public engagement and understanding of nuclear test explosions. In recent years, citizen mobilization has taken new and innovative forms, such as the utilization of social media. The branches can oversee the development of social media information campaigns, as they may possess a greater understanding of the local diversity to run social information campaigns effectively. The branches would act similarly to the National Authority in ratified states, by maintaining liaison with the Organization. Although CTBTO citizen groups may not be feasible in all nations, implementing citizen-based branches can greatly improve the chances of ratification in signatory states.
Promotional text
I aim to contribute to the SnT2023 objective of outreach. Although the CTBTO has made incredible advancements in banning nuclear tests, most of the world has little understanding of the Organization. Through social media, citizens can influence support of the CTBT.
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