ABSTRACT
The verification of arms control agreements raises many subtle and complex problems. Some of these problems are technical and can therefore be solved by suitable technical innovation or economic investment. But the most complex and subtle problems are political and psychological and therefore much more dependent for their solution on the creation of an appropriate atmosphere within which the compliance process can function. At the root of most of the problems faced by verification are the deeply contradictory attempts by two powerful states to negotiate arms control agreements even as they work diligently to maintain or enhance the credibility of their military threats against each other. The complexity and essential subjectivity of verification militate against any attempt to draw neat conclusions about the role verification can play in promoting disarmament. There are no general answers to the questions of how much verification is enough or what forms of verification are most effective.
