ABSTRACT
Disarmament usually results from the voluntary acceptance of international obligations by states. ‘Disarmament’ has often been used as a generic term for weapons-related activities, not only concerning the destruction of stockpiles, but also other forms of arms control and non-proliferation, among other activities. Multilateral disarmament treaties generally specify a threshold of ratifications necessary for entry into force and a certain period after the last ratification. All global disarmament instruments which impose legally binding restrictions on weapons are in the form of treaties. Given the very technical nature of disarmament and states’ emphasis on its codification by international treaties, few general principles of law exist within international disarmament law. Jurisdiction is an important concept in international disarmament law. Control is sometimes used in conjunction with ‘jurisdiction’ in international disarmament law, especially with respect to foreign territory, although the concept is not defined in the relevant treaties.
