Deadly weapons and their emerging regimes: Asia' peril and promise

• Published in: Asia-Pacific review Vol. 10; no. 2; pp. 19 - 35
• Main Author: Dhanapala, Jayantha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.11.2003
• ISSN: 1343-9006; 1469-2937
• DOI: 10.1080/1343900032000148011

The treaties and regimes that govern the possession and use of WMD-chemical, biological and nuclear weapons-represent the cornerstone of international disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Based on multilateral consensus and diplomatic methods, they represent a more durable alternative to the unilateral use of military force to insure compliance. Jayantha Dhanapala, former United Nations under-secretary-general for disarmament affairs, analyses the life cycles of regimes, with particular reference to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. As a region with a long history of armed conflict, and as home to a number of potential nuclear states, Asia has a vital interest in the continuing health of all the regimes. The author describes ways in which Asian nations can contribute to their success, and optimistically concludes that a combination of treaty-based regimes, NGO activism, and support from civil society may succeed in curbing the destructive tendencies of the more warlike members of the world community.