Arms Control: Concepts and Debates

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the central concepts and debates about arms and arms control. I start with the central debates about arms control in the context of the Cold War, introducing the concept of arms control, the positions of its proponents and its critics, and some thoughts on the factors that affect the success or failure of arms control negotiations. Then I discuss the development of arms control after the end of the Cold War, with a particular focus on the emergence of the concept of preventive arms control. Finally, I look at the debate about arms control in space.