Week 1-Introduction
Week 1-Introduction
Week 1-Introduction
Arms control and disarmament refer to international efforts aimed at regulating, limiting,
and reducing the development, deployment, and use of military weapons and technologies. Arms
control primarily focuses on setting specific rules and agreements governing the quantity and
capabilities of weapons, while disarmament involves the reduction or elimination of existing
weapon stockpiles. The overarching goal is to enhance global security and stability by preventing
arms races, reducing the risk of conflict, and fostering trust among nations. These measures can
encompass various types of weaponry, including nuclear, conventional, chemical, and biological
weapons.
The history of arms control efforts dates back to ancient times, but the modern era has
seen more formalized and structured attempts to manage weapons proliferation. The post-World
War I period witnessed the League of Nations attempting to control arms, while the Cold War
era marked significant arms control agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union,
such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). Post-Cold War efforts expanded to include
chemical and biological weapons, with various international treaties and agreements shaping the
landscape of arms control initiatives.
Arms control and disarmament play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted
challenges of contemporary global security. In a world characterized by geopolitical tensions,
regional conflicts, and the rapid advancement of military technologies, effective arms control
measures contribute to the prevention of arms races and the mitigation of potential threats. By
fostering transparency, building trust among nations, and promoting cooperation, arms control
enhances collective security, reduces the risk of accidental conflicts, and contributes to
international peace. Moreover, in an era marked by the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, the importance of arms control in preventing their catastrophic use cannot be
overstated, making it a cornerstone of global efforts to maintain a more secure and stable world.
Reading Material:
i. Scott Douglas Sagan, The Limits of Safety: Organizations, Accidents, and Nuclear
Weapons (2022)
ii. Paul Bracken, The Second Nuclear Age: Strategy, Danger, and the New Power Politics
(2021)
iii. Michael C. Horowitz et al., "Emerging Technologies and the Future of Arms Control,”
Survival, Vol. 61, No. 3, 2019)
iv. John R. Harvey, "The End of Arms Control as We Know It," The Washington Quarterly,
Vol. 42, No. 1, 2019.