21st Century Arms Control Challenges: Drones, Cyber Weapons, Killer Robots, and WMDs

Abstract

The world faces tough arms control challenges from preventing the development and use of weapons of mass destruction to regulating the new weapons of the computer revolution. This article considers what works in arms control. Using military force in violation of international law to destroy nuclear facilities, to stop weapons shipments, or to punish the use of prohibited weapons typically fails. Diplomacy paired with lawful counter-measures has the superior track record. Reviving the art of diplomacy and re-committing to authentic international law will pay dividends in peace and security.

Keywords: arms control, drones, cyber weapons, autonomous weapons, killer robots, WMDs, chemical weapons, biological weapons, nuclear weapons, diplomacy, counter-measures, international law, use of force

JEL Classification: K33