The Stepping Stones approach is a diplomatic framework for advancing nuclear disarmament through a sequence of practical, near-term measures rather than a single comprehensive treaty or immediate prohibition. It was formally introduced by Sweden in 2019 under then–Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, who convened a ministerial meeting in Stockholm bringing together a cross-regional group of non-nuclear-weapon states committed to revitalising the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review process.
The initiative produced a working paper for the NPT Review Conference proposing a menu of "stepping stones" — pragmatic steps that nuclear-armed and non-nuclear states could take to reduce risks and rebuild trust. Typical measures discussed include:
- Risk reduction: hotlines, de-alerting, and doctrinal transparency.
- Negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states.
- Stockpile and fissile material transparency, including warhead declarations.
- Verification research, such as the work of the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV).
- Bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force.
- Progress toward a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).
The Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament, the coalition carrying the agenda, has included states such as Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Spain, Canada, Argentina, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Jordan, South Korea, Ethiopia, New Zealand, and Switzerland (membership has shifted over time).
Politically, the approach occupies a middle ground in the disarmament debate. It contrasts with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW, 2017), which seeks an immediate legal ban, and with positions of nuclear-weapon states that resist binding timelines. Critics — particularly TPNW supporters and civil society groups such as ICAN — argue that incrementalism has historically produced slow results and risks legitimising indefinite possession. Proponents counter that engaging nuclear-armed states pragmatically is the only realistic path to verifiable reductions.
Example
At the 2022 NPT Review Conference, the Stockholm Initiative — led by Sweden and including Germany, Japan and Canada — tabled a working paper outlining 22 "stepping stones" for nuclear risk reduction and disarmament.
Frequently asked questions
Sweden launched it in June 2019 when Foreign Minister Margot Wallström hosted a ministerial meeting in Stockholm, creating what became known as the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament.
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