ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT

Arms management is a normatively neutral term that includes the concepts of arms control and disarmament, which are outlined in detail below:

Arms Control

Arms control is an all encompassing term that relates to those restrictions that are imposed on the production, development, stockpiling, proliferation, and usage of small arms and light weapons, conventional weapons, chemical and biological weapons, and nuclear weapons. Arms control is typically pursued by means of diplomatic approaches and instruments, such as international treaties, agreements, as well as regional and sub-regional protocols. Arms control can also be achieved by means of national legislation and policy.

In general, the aim of arms control instruments and practices are to limit, reduce and prevent the proliferation and misuse of weapons, ammunition, explosive devises (such as bombs, missiles and landmines) and weapons technology. In addition, there are a number of arms control agreements that seek to minimise the destructive consequences of armed violence and war, especially with respect to civilians and the environment (such as the Geneva Conventions).

Historically, the enforcement of arms control agreements has been challenging and problematic. The reason for this is that the enforcement and effectiveness of these agreements are dependent on the commitment and consent of the participants to these agreements to abide by the terms of these agreements. When a nation no longer wishes to abide by the terms of an arms control agreement, they tend to either covertly circumvent the terms, or terminate their participation in the agreement. More recent arms control agreements have included more rigorous measures to enforce the terms of the agreement, as well as verify the compliance of those states that are party to the agreement.

Disarmament

Disarmament includes a range of processes and measures by which the holdings, stockpile and supply of weapons (including arms, ammunition and explosive devices) to states, non-state groups and individuals are reduced or destroyed. Disarmament measures typically include: weapons collection initiatives; weapons destruction and disposal programmes; decommissioning of weapons systems; arms embargoes; as well as weapons moratoriums and prohibitions. Disarmament initiatives generally take place following a prolonged period of armed conflict, such as civil war, but have also taken place in countries without an immediate history of armed conflict.

The fundamental aim of a disarmament process is to reduce the destabilising and destructive impact of weapons on the state, society and the environment. In this respect, a successful disarmament initiative can contribute to building confidence and stability in a situation characterised by tension and uncertainty.

Role of the Arms Management Programme in Arms Control and Disarmament

The Arms Management Programme (AMP) at the ISS has been working on arms control and disarmament issues in Africa for more than a decade. AMP staff have undertaken policy-oriented research, and have provided training and capacity-building to key government and civil society stakeholders. AMP has also facilitated meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences that relate to disarmament and arms control processes in Africa.

The ISS supports the Millennium Campaign

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Arms management is a normatively neutral term that includes the concepts of arms control and disarmament, which are outlined in detail below:

Arms Control

Disarmament

Role of the Arms Management Programme in Arms Control and Disarmament

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