ON CONCEPT OF ARMS CONTROL

Abstract

Abstract

Arms control is a distinctive concept. It concerns with the distribution of military power; both conceptual and material, in line with a particular conception of national/international security. Although the basic idea of arms control is as old as history of armaments and wars, it began receiving systematic treatment from the late 1950s and the early 1960s onward. It was conceived to support the fail-safe operation of the postwar strategic theory. Over time, there has developed different meanings about the form, nature, and functions of arms control. This article attempts to explore these different and often incoherent interpretations of the concept of arms control and works out a coherent position. The article establishes the distinctiveness of the arms control concept by assessing its position within military and international relations theories. This article will not only broaden, but also deepen our understanding about the concept of arms control. This improved understanding will help better frame arms control policies in the 21st century amidst transition in regional/international security orders.