Title: Norm Contestation and Power Dynamics in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime
Subtitle: The India-US Nuclear Deal
Subject Classification:  Politics and Government, War and Conflict  
BIC Classification: JW, JP
BISAC Classification: POL033000, POL001000, POL034000
Binding: Hardback, eBook
Publication date: 10 Oct 2025
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-83711-193-0
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-83711-194-7

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Description

This book explores the inherently contested nature of international norms, shaped by competing interests, values, and power dynamics. It highlights the crucial role of dominant states in defining, adapting, and enforcing norms to align with their strategic objectives, influencing the evolution of global governance. By integrating realist constructivism with norm contestation theory, the study provides a novel theoretical framework to analyze regime change and stability. This framework emphasizes how power structures, normative factors, domestic culture, and elite perceptions interact to shape international regimes, revealing the contingent and dynamic nature of regime evolution. The book offers a detailed examination of the Indo-U.S. Civilian Nuclear Agreement and its implications for the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Despite criticisms of granting India an exceptional status as a non-NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) state, the study argues that the agreement has constructively engaged India, aligning it more closely with non-proliferation norms. It delves into the United States’ strategic balancing act—granting India-specific exemptions while discouraging similar agreements with other non-NPT states—to maintain regime integrity and pursue broader strategic objectives. By combining theoretical insights with a focused case study, this book makes a significant contribution to understanding the interplay between power, norms, and global governance. It will appeal to scholars and students of international relations, political science, and global governance, as well as policymakers.

Biography

Author(s):  Dr. Saira Bano is an assistant professor of Political Studies at Thompson Rivers University, Canada.

Reviews

"The US-India nuclear agreement is twenty years old. With this passage of time, Saira Bano has completed a comprehensive evaluation that has substantial empirical and theoretical benefits. Bano traces the origins and negotiations between United States President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Singh in 2005, as well as the subsequent requirement for special waivers from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers Group. This was not easy because India was a nuclear weapons state, but refused to ratify the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. Nevertheless, Bano convincingly argues that the deal successfully brought India into the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Theoretically, Bano uses this case study, to advance our knowledge of realist constructivism. The US-India nuclear agreement involved a combination of ideas and norm (constructivism) and material capabilities and great power interests (realism)."
- Duane Bratt, PhD, Professor (Political Science), Mount Royal University, Canada