Partial Test Ban Treaty: Analysis

Partial Test Ban Treaty: Analysis


Symbols, Motifs, and Rhetorical Devices

Rhetoric

LogosThe PTBT evolved out of a series of diplomatic negotiations between the governments of the U.S., the U.K., and the USSR. These talks went on for years. Given all the talking, it's entirely lik...

Structure

No Bones About ItWell, people, this is one straightforward treaty. It's certainly not written with any sort of entertainment quality in mind, and it's equally unlikely that it was ever intended to...

Writing Style

Treaty Talk (That Is to Say, Super Official)The PTBT is primarily made up of the legalese of international law...something we're calling "treaty talk." (Check out the "Tough-o-Meter" section for mo...

What's Up With the Title?

The title doesn't really jump out and snag your attention, does it? What you see is what you get: Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water. It's often r...

What's Up With the Opening Lines?

The Governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, hereinafter referred to as the "Original Part...

What's Up With the Closing Lines?

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, duly authorized, have signed this Treaty. DONE in triplicate at the city of Moscow the fifth day of August, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-three. (33-34)Nop...

Tough-o-Meter

(5) Tree LineThe PTBTis certainly no haikubut come on, it's shortThe authors have a nice habit of repeating long phrases and names, which cuts down on the length in its own way. They also have an a...

Shout-Outs

In-Text ReferencesInternational Law ReferencesTreaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water—yeah, there's a lot of self-referencing in this document (6, 9,...

Trivia

Perversely, atomic bombs are often given funny, cute, or catchy names. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima was called "Little Boy." The one dropped on Nagasaki? "Fat Man." (Source)Greenpeace was founded...