A NOTE ON DISARMAMENT: COMMON INTEREST

This analytical note examines the concept of common interest as a foundation for disarmament negotiations, exploring how shared security concerns and mutual benefits can provide the basis for arms control agreements despite political differences. The article investigates the theoretical foundations of common interest in international relations and examines how these apply to different disarmament contexts. The research analyzes specific areas where common interests in disarmament have been identified or could be developed, including nuclear risk reduction, conventional force limitations, and chemical weapons prohibition. The study assesses the obstacles to recognizing and acting upon common interests in disarmament, including security dilemmas, verification challenges, and political mistrust. The article also evaluates strategies for building upon common interests to advance disarmament objectives in various negotiation forums.

The concept of common interest represents a crucial but often overlooked foundation for disarmament negotiations, with this analytical note examining its potential and limitations during the heightened tensions of the mid-1980s. The research begins by examining the theoretical foundations of common interest in international relations theory, analyzing how shared security concerns, mutual economic benefits, and common humanitarian values can provide bases for cooperation even among adversarial states. The analysis explores specific areas where common interests in disarmament have been successfully identified and acted upon, including the Antarctic Treaty demilitarization, outer space arms control, and environmental modification prohibition. The article examines ongoing negotiation contexts where common interests provide potential foundations for agreement, including nuclear risk reduction measures, chemical weapons prohibition, and conventional force limitations in Europe. The study assesses the obstacles to recognizing and acting upon common interests, investigating how security dilemmas, verification challenges, bureaucratic resistance, and domestic politics can prevent states from pursuing mutually beneficial disarmament measures. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the note develops strategies for identifying, articulating, and building upon common interests to advance disarmament objectives in various negotiation contexts. The findings provide valuable insights into the psychological and political foundations of arms control and contribute to developing more effective approaches to disarmament diplomacy in adversarial international environments.