Peace is a Collective Responsibility
Disarmament is the reduction or elimination of weapons. Non-Proliferation is preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to new states or non-state actors. “The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness” is observed annually (since 2022) on March 5. It was on this day in 1970 that the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force. India has termed it as discriminatory, as it legitimises the nuclear status of a few powers while denying others the right to develop nuclear weapons for their security. Wars have always existed. What has changed over time is how wars are fought, their scale, and their impact on societies. Modern warfare is guided by high technology. Resources spent on arms could be redirected toward health, education, and climate action. A few days before this year’s observation, the world witnessed another armed conflict involving one of the superpowers. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is entering its fifth year. Under these circumstances, it is but natural to feel sceptical about disarmament or arms control. Richard Falk’s remarks become very relevant. Disarmament is not just about weapons; it is about power. Who has it, who doesn’t, and who decides.
The World is Over Armed, and Peace is Underfunded.
Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary‑General, UN
Disarmament is the reduction or elimination of weapons, especially nuclear, chemical, and biological arms. Non-Proliferation is preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to new states or non-state actors. Disarmament has been central to the UN’s mission. It has a framework to advance disarmament across all domains—nuclear, conventional, and emerging technologies.
“The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness” is observed annually (since 2022) on March 5. It was on this day in 1970 that the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force, and in 1995 it was extended indefinitely. NPT is one of the most widely supported international agreements, with 191 countries as parties to the treaty. The fact that only one country (North Korea) has withdrawn is taken as evidence of the NPT’s strength as a global norm. Ironically, four other states that have nuclear weapons are not signatories to the treaty. Disarmament and non-proliferation efforts aim to contain conflicts by ensuring weapons of mass destruction don’t enter the battlefield. Without these frameworks, regional wars could spiral into global catastrophes.
Nuclear “Haves” vs. “Have-Nots”
The NPT recognises the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK as nuclear-weapon states. India has termed it as discriminatory, as it legitimises the nuclear status of a few powers while denying others the right to develop nuclear weapons for their security. Nuclear-weapon states have been slow to fulfil their obligation to pursue disarmament. The treaty is reviewed every five years at Review Conferences, where states discuss its effectiveness and propose reforms. Some states are pushing for recognition of the “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)” within the NPT framework.
Disarmament is not limited to nuclear weapons. Extends to all categories of weapons. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) bans the development, stockpiling, and use of chemical arms. Disarmament here means destroying existing stockpiles and preventing new production. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) prohibits biological arms entirely. Disarmament efforts focus on ensuring compliance and preventing misuse of biotechnology. Disarmament discussions now also cover autonomous weapons systems (AI-driven weapons) and cyber warfare tools.
The world has seen many wars. Over the past 100 years, the world has seen hundreds of wars and armed conflicts; estimates put the total at 200–250 worldwide. The major ones are the two world wars. What has changed over time is how wars are fought, their scale, and their impact on societies. Modern warfare is guided by high technology. Precision-guided missiles, drones, cyber warfare, and AI-driven systems make wars more complex and less predictable. Civilian casualties now often outnumber military casualties, making wars more devastating socially and morally.
The observation of “International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness” focuses on empowering people, especially youth, with knowledge about the dangers of weapons and the benefits of peace. Every missile dismantled, every treaty signed, and every discussion about peace contributes to a safer world. Resources spent on arms could be redirected toward health, education, and climate action.
A few days before this year’s observation, the world witnessed another armed conflict involving one of the superpowers. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is entering its fifth year. Under these circumstances, it is but natural to feel sceptical about disarmament or arms control. Richard Falk’s remarks become very relevant. Disarmament is not just about weapons; it is about power. Who has it, who doesn’t, and who decides.
Disarmament is Not Just About Weapons; It is About Power. Who Has It, Who Doesn’t, And Who Decides.
Richard Falk, international law scholar.
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