Arms Control: A Crumbling Foundation of European Security Cover Image

Kontrola zbrojeń – kruszący się fundament bezpieczeństwa europejskiego
Arms Control: A Crumbling Foundation of European Security

Author(s): Zdzisław Lachowski
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Arms Control;security

Summary/Abstract: Conventional arms control in Europe is often referred to as “a cornerstone of European security.” During the first decade of cooperative security in the 1990s the process resulted in by far the most advanced regime of controlling conventional weapons and building confidence. Today, in changed political circumstances, its place and role look different. Other threats and challenges have come to the fore while this politico-military instrument remains in limbo for various reasons―political, strategic, military and other. Nevertheless this crumbling foundation of European security still has a role to play. Its recovery calls for strong political will and leadership and for striking a new deal between the protagonists―NATO and Russia―to overcome distrust in Euro-Atlantic relations and build a more effective military order. Conventional arms control should help provide a strong base for that endeavour. Poland has a special interest in overcoming the current stalemate as a frontline NATO state and European actor.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 27-48
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Polish