Explain the significance of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is significant because it serves as a cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The NPT established a framework that encourages nations to forgo the development of nuclear arms and promotes disarmament among those who already possess them. This treaty is instrumental in mitigating the risks of nuclear conflict and proliferation by fostering an international norm against the acquisition of nuclear weapons and facilitating dialogue on disarmament.

Furthermore, the treaty also aims to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, ensuring that states can benefit from nuclear technology while adhering to non-proliferation objectives. The NPT has garnered near-universal participation, with 191 states parties, highlighting its widespread acceptance and importance in international diplomacy regarding nuclear weapons.

Other options do not align with the purpose of the NPT. An agreement to promote military expansion does not address the treaty's efforts to limit arms. Sharing nuclear resources between nations contradicts the treaty's goal to restrict access to nuclear weapons. Moreover, a focus solely on economic growth misses the central tenet of the NPT, which is to regulate nuclear proliferation and promote peace and security globally.