When it comes to the control of conventional weapons, Europe has an impressive track record of treaties restricting conventional weapons and fostering transparency and confidence. This learning unit explores these regimes which were developed during the Cold War to reduce the likelihood of surprise attacks and debates their value in times marked by new tensions.

After completing this unit, you will

• understand the origins and rationale of arms control in Europe
• be able to describe the purpose and functioning of the CFE Treaty, Open Skies Treaty, and Vienna Document
• know the difference between strategic and non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNW), understand NATO nuclear sharing and Russian approach to TNW
• be familiar with the challenges of bringing NSNW under an arms control/confidence-building framework
• understand the role played by the OSCE, the EU and other organizations in the European arms control system
• be able to identify and discuss the main challenges to arms control in Europe, including the effects of the Ukrainian crisis