C. Dale White

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by President Bill Clinton in September 1996 and currently awaiting ratification by the Senate, forbids test explosions of nuclear weapons. In the following viewpoint, C. Dale White maintains that the test ban treaty would establish a global norm against nuclear testing, strengthen U.S. and international security, and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. A retired bishop, White speaks and writes about issues related to global peace.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why is the test ban treaty “an historic achievement,” in the author’s view"

2. According to White, how does the world’s reaction to France’s nuclear tests illustrate the power of global norms"

3. How does White counter the argument that a nuclear test ban cannot be...