Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to examine the political, as well as the opportunities and pitfalls associated with conventional arms control in Europe. It provides a short outline of the developments that have led to the renewed interest in conventional arms control since 1985 and the current state of agreement and disagreement between East and West on that subject. The book deals with the purposes arms control should serve and analyzes the key military-political problems that must be solved for progress to occur. It is concerned with the more technical aspects of conventional arms control in Europe. The book assesses whether these approaches might be instrumental in arriving at substantial and politically meaningful arms control accords. It focuses on the political prospects for conventional arms control in a more fluid period of East-West relations.