ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on two issues: first, the usefulness of direct approaches to controlling the spread of modern weapons and of related technologies, and, second, the value of resorting to international and multilateral institutions and policies in order to discourage excessive arms acquisition. The limitations on approaches that rely on regional powers or regional balances to preserve regional security may require fresh attention to alternatives. International methods and institutions also can be used to aid regional security by developing collective security commitments and other means of strengthening inhibitions against excessive investment in military capabilities. Granting that universal policies do not work well for conventional arms transfers, elements of such policies are necessary in the nuclear, chemical, and bacteriological weapons areas. The concluding conference panel sought to interpret the nature of the policy challenges to be expected from conflict in the Third World and to offer guidelines for policies that would best serve US interests.
