What organization is referred to as Nuclear Weapons State (NWS)?

The designation of Nuclear Weapons State (NWS) refers specifically to countries that have manufactured and detonated a nuclear weapon prior to the establishment of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1967. These nations are recognized due to their ability to develop and maintain nuclear arsenals, which significantly impacts global security dynamics and international relations. This classification includes the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, all of which tested nuclear weapons before the NPT took effect.

Other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics that define a Nuclear Weapons State. For instance, disarmament does not result in NWS status; rather, it signifies a step towards reducing the number of nuclear weapons. The efforts related to detecting and securing nuclear weapons relate more to non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives rather than the definition of NWS. Lastly, while nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities, it encompasses a broader range of countries and activities beyond those that have historically tested or developed nuclear weapons.