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International Relations-PSC 201

LESSON 23

DISARMAMENT AND ARMS CONTROL

Justifications for Armament

Weapons are not the causes but the consequences of conflictive relations. A historical survey of the arms

race indicates that during the past two centuries this form of international competition often ends peacefully

in recognition of the military superiority of one side or the other.

Countries which have no adequate defense tempt aggressors and therefore preparing for war is the best way

to achieve peace.

Arguments for disarmament

Arms and arms races are costly and potentially very bloody. Arms reduction can curtail defense burden and

allow economic investment for more productive purposes.

The unchecked growth of armaments without economic means can lead to internal repression and external

aggression.

Arms Controls

Arms reduction implies partially disarmament based on mutually agreed set of arms levels between given

groups of nation states. Arms limitation includes a wide variety of international accords to limit impact of

potential wars or to prevent their accidental outbreak (exchange of information to prevent

misunderstanding or banning acquisition of particular types of weaponry).

History of Disarmament

Disarmament attempts can be traced back to the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which stipulated against the

need for building fortifications. In 1816, the Czar of Russia proposed to the British government the

reduction of armaments, a call that was not well received however.

In 1863 and in 1869, France made similar calls for disarmament in Europe, but it too was ignored. In 1898,

the Tsar of Russia called on European powers to gather at Hague to discuss disarmament, a suggestion

which was well received, leading to the First Hague Peace Conference attended by 28 states.

In 1907, another conference was held at the Hague for the same purpose. Both conferences called upon

military and naval experts to propose reducing military expenditures through disarmaments, but the major

powers were not ready for such moves in practice.

Disarmament after WWI

The devastation caused by WWI impelled statesmen of the world to give serious thought to disarmament.

Woodrow Wilson in one of his famous fourteen points asserted armament should be reduced to `the lowest

point consistent with domestic safety'.

The Treat of Versailles (1919) also recognized that `the maintenance of peace requires the reduction of

national armaments'. The League of Nations was given the specific duty to secure a general agreement on

disarmament and the covenant of the League stated that only those countries will be allowed membership

who accepted the proposed agreement.

A permanent advisory commission was established in the League, but being comprised of military

personnel, it failed to make much progress in a path of disarmament.

The Council of the League appointed another commission in 1920, the Temporary Mixed Commission,

with a fixed four year mandate and comprised primarily of civilians. This temporary commission of the

League was asked to identify limitation of land and naval forces for various countries according to their

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International Relations-PSC 201

national security needs, the commission also proposed compulsory arbitration and proposed international

aid to victims of aggression.

Unfortunately, the commission's recommendations were not accepted by members of the League of

Nations. In 1926, the League set up another preparatory commission for disarmament which prepared a

draft of a treaty considered at the Geneva conference of the League in 1932 by 61 states. Discussions on

this draft continued for 2 years but then the Japanese attack on Manchuria and the German withdrawal

from the treaty in 1933, dashed the hopes for disarmament.

Relevant Vocabulary

Conflictive: conflicting or tense

Armament: the process of acquiring weaponry

Impelled: compelled, obligated

Arbitration: resolution of disputes

Fortifications: building up of defenses

Suggested Readings

Students are advised to read the following chapters to develop a better understanding of the various

principals highlighted in this hand-out:

Chapter 7 in `"A Study of International Relations" by Dr. Sultan Khan

Internet Resources

In addition to reading from the textbook, please visit the following web-pages for this lecture, which

provide useful and interesting information:

Websites on disarmament and non-proliferation