Cornerstones of Security: Arms Control Treaties in the Nuclear Era

This anthology presents the complete text of 34 treaties that have effectively contained the spread of nuclear, biological and conventional weapons during the Cold War and beyond. The treaties are placed in historical context by individual commentaries from noted authorities Thomas Graham Jr and Damien J. LaVera, which provide unique insights on each treaty’s negotiation and implementation. During the 1990s, numerous arms control agreements were concluded under UN or US leadership. In 1995, 165 nations agreed to indefinitely extend the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Many nations ratified important chemical and biological weapons conventions, a pact to reduce conventional forces in Europe, and agreements to limit testing of weapons of mass destruction. More recent treaties seeking to restrain small arms trafficking and ban land mines are also highlighted and analyzed.