Throughout history and in the modern era, the utilization of arms like large bombs, artillery, and missiles, including mortars and rockets, as well as multi-barrel rocket launchers, has effectively aided militaries in safeguarding states against external aggression and attacks from terrorist organizations. Consequently, a conventional perception exists that employing military force to protect a state can be justifiable.
Meanwhile, when these weapons are employed against objectives aimed at civilian protection, particularly in densely populated areas, there is a high potential for indiscriminate effects, often resulting in significant civilian harm.
To promote global peace and curb the indiscriminate use of arms, numerous nations on the international stage have ratified treaties that govern their actions regarding the acquisition and utilization of weapons.
Another pivotal motivation behind the endorsement of these treaties is to mitigate the potential costs of conflicts. Countries believe that prohibiting certain weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) will considerably decrease the casualties incurred in conflicts.
However, some conflict and military analysts contest that civilian protection and conflict cost reduction are not the primary rationale behind nations’ consent to arms control treaties. They believe that nations sign arms control agreements to limit the weapon production capacity or the supply of the rival state or states.
As an international community framework, the United Nations reaffirms its support for these treaties to promote global peace and security, which stands as one of its principal objectives.
Arms Control Treaties
There are a number of treaties to achieve this goal. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that took effect in 1970 was the central effort to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and support nuclear disarmament. Currently, 191 states have agreed to the NPT.
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) opened for signatures on September 24, 1996. It prohibits all nuclear explosions, whether for peaceful or military reasons. As per the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), 178 countries have ratified the CTBT.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) came into force on December 24, 2014. It aims to regulate the global trade of conventional weapons for regional and international peace. The organization overseeing the treaty has recognized 113 countries as parties to it.
The Gap Between Theory and Reality
Despite the enactment of treaties, there continues to be a reckless use of arms among state and non-state actors across the globe. Data from the United Nations indicates that in the years 2015 to 2017, a minimum of 106,806 civilians lost their lives in the 12 deadliest armed conflicts. This equates to an average of 11.9 civilian deaths per 100,000 population annually. The UN highlights women and children as the most vulnerable groups in these conflicts. In 2019, over 20,000 civilians were killed or injured in 10 conflicts, but this represents only a fraction of the total, according to the United Nations.
An Amnesty International Press Release reveals the production of twelve billion bullets annually, nearly sufficient to eliminate the world’s population twice. It also highlights daily incidents of gun violence and armed conflict, and their dire consequences, leading to thousands of fatalities, injuries, and displacements.
Amnesty International clearly states that a global increase in unrestricted arms trading has resulted in profound worldwide devastation. The smooth cross-border flow of arms and the unrestrained deployment of weapons of mass destruction necessitate urgent and thorough scrutiny.
Ineffectiveness of Current Treaties
The analysis of the situation clearly indicates that technologically advanced countries typically arms suppliers, have not ratified certain treaties regulating weapon manufacturing, procurement, and international transfers. Moreover, due to insecurity in the international context, even countries that have ratified these treaties are likely non-compliant. As a result, the treaties appear theoretical and ineffective.
Arms Misuse and Its Widespread Consequences
The widespread use of weapons, which often leads to loss of life and damage to property and infrastructure, confirms that weapons are being misused. Some countries exploit their sovereignty to manufacture, transfer, or acquire prohibited weapons, ignoring international regulations.
Challenges from Non-State Actors
On the other hand, terrorist organizations and non-state armed groups can openly ignore international arms control regulations, even when governments comply with them. This makes it more difficult to regulate the global arms trade. This shows that the problem of non-compliance with arms control treaties is not limited to state actors.
The way forward
The significant repercussions stemming from the unregulated and irresponsible utilization of arms and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) on a global scale cannot be underestimated. Consequently, addressing the uncontrolled production, trade, and deployment of these armaments becomes crucial.
Moving forward, a viable approach involves the strict adherence of state signatories to weapons control treaties to these agreements. Alongside this, applying sanctions against those who breach these treaties holds the potential to cultivate a more tranquil and secure global community. Moreover, the imperative for the United Nations Security Council to effectively implement Resolution 2370, which urges all nations to cease the supply of weapons to entities engaged in terrorist activities, remains paramount. This action could also effectively mitigate the irresponsible production and distribution of arms to terrorist organizations.
**The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Diplomatic Insight. The organization neither endorses nor assumes any responsibility for the content of this article.
