ABSTRACT
A voluntary disarmament measure, broadly conceived, is an act of self-restraint imposed upon the free expansion of military power, and may possibly lead to a curtailment of that power. To a nation-state, the effects of disarmament on its security – the security of its independence and sovereignty, the integrity of its national territory and its well-being – and on its ability to maintain its position and influence internationally are of fundamental importance. In accepting a disarmament measure, a state makes at the same time a decision on its armaments policy, as well as its future military strategy and posture. It is relatively easy to assess quantitatively and qualitatively what changes the measure will bring about in a state’s own military structure. The relationship between disarmament and international economic development has been emphasized on a number of occasions. A disarmament treaty always has an influence on the international political atmosphere, as has been observed on a number of occasions.
