Problem
Inadequate control of weapons of mass destruction
Other Names:
Proliferation of weapons of mass destructionIrresponsible 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.
Broader Problems:
Irresponsible transfer of sensitive technologies Narrower Problems:
Imbalance in strategic armsVulnerable nuclear weapons arsenalsVulnerable disease research establishmentsProliferation of nuclear weapons and technology Aggravates:
ExterminationNuclear terrorismUncontrollable manufacture of destructive productsLong-term impacts of chemical and biological warfare Strategies:
Prohibiting new types of weapons of mass destructionNegotiating convention for the elimination of nuclear weaponsEliminating weapons of mass destructionStrengthening regimes of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destructionControlling use of biochemical weapons technologyEncouraging use of biochemical weapons technologyUsing destructive weaponsControlling weapons of mass destruction Values:
Self-controlAbuseDestructivenessInadequacyIrresponsibilityMismanagementUncontrollabilityUnderuseUnused Subject(s):
Biosciences → BiochemistryCybernetics → Control
→ Systems
Defence → Arms
Management → Management
Societal Problems → Destruction
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Societal Problems → Irresponsibility
Societal Problems → Proliferation
Technology → Technology
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
18.03.2020 – 19:32 CET