Maarten Lak
UN Forum editorial board
Negotiating to reduce armament and thus achieve more security was in fashion in the latter decades of the 20th century. It has lost much of its appeal as the world moved on.
Did we lose hope? Or were we distracted? As new technologies and create unheard of vulnerabilities, the debate for safer world conditions shifts to another level. Are not most wars internal conflicts?
Our year 2020 is a tricky time for global governance.
A transitional phase from one ‘world order’ to the next. No power like the United States and the Russian Federation, nor an aspiring power like China want their military capabilities circumscribed. Large budgets, many vested interests stand for benefits: industrial, technological and military.
But at what cost? While risks to human safety demand funding, could not arms control help provide more security at lesser cost?
Most countries’ security hinges on trust… and verification. Trusting that limitation of arms races brings more relaxed relations, through multilateral arrangements, especially in Europe.
UN Forum dedicates the upcoming edition to control of arms among states.
After reading contributions of experts, would you know how to engage great powers in reaching common ground and work for mutually beneficial verifiable obligations for a stable world less dependent on armaments?
Edition: ‘Are Arms controlling us, or can we take back control?‘