Why Arms Control?
All of these regimes bespeak a widening recognition of a fundamental point: arms control — whether on a global or a regional basis – is not an exercise in generosity or altruism, but a positive sum endeavor that nations engage in because it is in their interests to do so. When potential adversaries reduce arms or forego destabilizing capabilities, both win. Both make war less likely and less destructive if it happens. Both reduce their risks, their uncertainties, their expenditures. Both gain security — and often stand to benefit politically and economically as well. Indeed, I have been emphasizing that arms control is a pillar of national security complementary to and no less vital than defense. In truth, it is defense by other means. Conclusion I do not pretend that arms control is easy. Political obstacles alone can seem insurmountable. As George Bernard Shaw put it, “Peace is not only better than war, but infinitely more arduous.” But for all of its difficulty, arms control is by
