Open AccessThe influence of weapons of mass destruction on international security in the second decade of the 21st century
Author(s) -
Włodzimierz Wątor
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
studia politicae universitatis silesiensis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2353-9747
pISSN - 1895-3492
DOI - 10.31261/spus.2019.26.04
Subject(s) - disarmament , nuclear weapon , international community , political science , international security , international relations , arms control , hazard , political economy , international trade , law and economics , law , business , sociology , politics , chemistry , organic chemistry
The article outlines reasons for the significant increase of the hazard posed by weapons of mass destruction in the current decade. Despite the international community’s efforts made throughout the years, it has not been possible to eliminate them, significantly lower their arsenal or prevent their building or transfer. What has increased is the importance of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear ones, as a force factor in international relations. This tendency will probably continue in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the article focuses on explaining the mechanisms of this process and its connections with numerous events and facts influencing international security. Special significance is ascribed to a precise estimation of the risk posed by weapons of mass destruction and determination of its hierarchy. Moreover, the article presents the forms and methods of the activities undertaken by countries and international organisations regarding the prevention of proliferation (via disarmament treaties and informal forums) and assesses their effectiveness.