International relationsLesson 5 of 5 in the course International security

Arms Control: Principles, Treaties, and Institutions

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Arms control is the use of international agreements and other measures to limit weapons and military activities. This lesson introduces its scope and the reasons states pursue it.

Arms control refers to international restrictions on the development, production, stockpiling, proliferation, and use of weapons. Its scope can include small arms, conventional weapons such as tanks and warships, and weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

All flashcards

Security dilemma
A situation in which one state's effort to become safer appears threatening to others, prompting them to build up their forces.
What are the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty’s main goals?
Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, pursuing nuclear arms reduction, and supporting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
What is the IAEA’s role in nuclear safeguards?
It applies safeguards to help prevent nuclear material from being diverted from peaceful uses to weapons.
How do nongovernmental organizations contribute to arms control?
They conduct research, public education, advocacy, and policy analysis, but do not make treaties for states.
Why might a state remain in a treaty while trying to stretch its limits?
Withdrawal can carry diplomatic costs and free competitors from the treaty’s restrictions.

Quiz questions

  1. Why has the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty not entered into force?Answer: Eight specified states have not ratified it.
  2. What did the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty require the United States and Soviet Union to eliminate?Answer: Missiles with ranges from 500 to 5,500 kilometers.
  3. What is one purpose of the Vienna Document?Answer: To improve predictability through measures such as notifications and inspections.
  4. Which role is associated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?Answer: Promoting peaceful nuclear technology and applying safeguards.
  5. Which statement best describes the role of nongovernmental organizations in arms control?Answer: They contribute research and advocacy but do not make treaties for states.

Based on the Wikipedia article Arms control, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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