An arms control agenda for the Third World
- Hampshire College, Amherst, MA (USA)
Burgeoning military rivalries pose a threefold threat to world security: (1) unrestrained arms races in volatile areas could aggravate existing fears and enmities, possible sparking armed combat; (2) possession of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction threatens to escalate these conflicts to new heights to devastation; and (3) such potential escalation could threaten the vital interests of the superpowers and thus provoke worldwide conflict. All of these dangers could increase in the years ahead, should Third World countries continue to expand their arsenals and pursue polices that impinge on the fundamental interests of the superpowers. Given the growing dangers posed by military rivalries in the Third World, it is time for policy makers and diplomat to undertake fresh initiatives to ameliorate these contests and to diminish the likelihood that they will erupt in violence. This will require efforts by both North and South: the superpowers will have to curb their involvement in local disputes and assist in mediation efforts, while the Third World nations themselves will have to work toward moderating and resolving their regional conflicts. Moreover, the industrialized nations have to recognize that they are deeply involved in the process of militarization in the Third World, whether through grants and sales of military equipment, technical assistance programs, or formal alliance structures. In other words, the North is part of the problem, not just the solution. 1 fig.
- OSTI ID:
- 6714877
- Journal Information:
- Arms Control Today; (USA), Vol. 20:3; ISSN 0196-125X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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