In light of this view, a neorealist evaluation of the NPT is as somewhat of a necessary evil, in that it protects states from the possibility of another state becoming more powerful by means of a mutual agreement to cease any nuclear programs. The neorealist point of view, however, sees the world as an international state of anarchy, in which individual states act according to their own best interests, not those of the international community as a whole, and as such, neorealists see the very real possibility of a rogue state disobeying its prior commitment to the NPT or, as in the case of North Korea, revoking its prior signature of such a treaty. The anarchic state of international affairs, according to the neorealist perspective, leaves open the possibility of a state not a part of the treaty or one which chooses, in its own perceived best interests, not to abide by the treaty.

             In contrast with this highly self-interested view of world politics, neoliberal institutionalist theory sees the international institutions which enforce and create treaties and protocols such as the NPT as the highest authority regarding international relations (as opposed to the actions of one self-interested state, as in neorealism). The acceptance of the interdependence of nations on one another for ideal security and living conditions is a significant part of neoliberal institutionalism (Keohane 119-126). Additionally, the stability which is desired by neorealists can be achieved via international institutions, say neoliberals. The fact that democracies fight fewer wars against one another than any other political structure does offer support to this theory, and neoliberal institutionalists assert that an interdependent international community is the surest way to ensure individual state securities (Owen 1994).

             The NPT is an example of an international treaty established by neoliberal institutionalism; its overriding concept is to protect the interests of the global community as a whole by preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and averting potential nuclear wars.