Inadequate control of weapons of mass destruction

Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
Irresponsible management of nuclear weapons systems
Uncontrolled use of biochemical weapons technology

Nature

International regimes for controlling missile, chemical and nuclear technology are an uncoordinated patchwork, with different sets of targets, cooperating states and sanctions. Links are few or nonexistent between the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group trying to stop the proliferation of chemical weapons, and the London Suppliers Group targeting nuclear proliferation. But the synergies between these weapons -- for example, Scuds equipped with chemical warheads -- pose the gravest threat.

Incidence

As a result of the collapse of the former Soviet Union, considerable concern has been expressed regarding the control of nuclear arsenals and the illegal trade in nuclear materials. In 1992, it was alleged that there were three operative black boxes, any one of which was capable of firing the nuclear rockets of the former Soviet Union. In 1993 the USA acknowledged that efforts to contain the spread of weapons of mass destruction were most likely to prove inadequate, making USA forces increasingly vulnerable to attack by Third World forces.

Claim

Of utmost urgency in 1992 are the regrouping and deactivation of tactical nuclear weapons outside Russia or in far-flung depots in essentially stable parts of Russia.

The way forward for world peace is not in trying to control the sale of weapons as in trying to control their use. Devise new procedures to scrutinize good government, and refine existing procedures on trade sanctions. For those countries who fail the first test, use the second as economic weapons to be used in the event of trouble.

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the availability of their basic components constitute a threat to international peace and security. This threat has not abated. In some ways it is growing.