New publication: Conventional arms control during wartime, in ceasefire and post-conflict situations

In an era defined by confrontational security, is conventional arms control still relevant or even achievable? This publication explores the necessity and potential aims of, and feasible instruments for arms control in a system prioritising military deterrence rather than cooperation. Unlike cooperative arms control, which aimed partly to replace deterrence, contemporary arms control must supplement it, functioning as a complementary approach. Inspired by the ongoing war but applicable to any conventional interstate conflict, this analysis focuses on classic conventional armaments. While the proposed measures may appear modest compared with the comprehensive regimes of the cooperative security era, they provide a crucial contribution to crisis and war management and aim to mitigate the devastating impact of conflict on civilians, the environment and uninvolved third parties. This analysis argues for a pragmatic, targeted approach to arms control that can enhance stability even amidst heightened tensions.

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