WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT
International Relation
INTRODUCTION
The Wassenaar Arrangement is a multilateral export control regime aimed at promoting transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. It is a high-yield prelims topic because questions often test its objective, scope, nature (non-treaty), and India’s membership. For beginners, it clarifies how conventional arms and sensitive technologies are regulated internationally.
------------------------------------------------------------
BACKGROUND AND ORIGIN
• Established in 1996
• Named after Wassenaar, a town in the Netherlands
• Replaced the earlier Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM)
• Created in the post–Cold War context to prevent destabilising arms transfers
------------------------------------------------------------
OBJECTIVES
• Promote transparency in conventional arms transfers
• Prevent destabilising accumulations of arms and dual-use items
• Strengthen international security and stability
• Encourage responsible national export control policies
------------------------------------------------------------
SCOPE AND COVERAGE
The Arrangement covers two broad categories:
1. Conventional Arms
• Battle tanks
• Armoured combat vehicles
• Large-calibre artillery systems
• Military aircraft and helicopters
• Warships
• Missiles and missile systems
2. Dual-Use Goods and Technologies
• Items with both civilian and military applications
• Advanced electronics, sensors, materials, and software
------------------------------------------------------------
KEY FEATURES
• Not a treaty; politically binding arrangement
• Decisions taken by consensus
• No enforcement mechanism at international level
• Implementation through national export control laws
• Emphasis on information sharing among members
------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBERSHIP
• 42 participating states
• Includes major arms exporters and technology holders
INDIA AND WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT
• India became a member in 2017
• Membership enhanced India’s access to high-end dual-use technologies
• Strengthened India’s export control credentials
• Supported India’s case for entry into global export control regimes
------------------------------------------------------------
PRELIMS NOTES AND COMMON CONFUSIONS
• Wassenaar Arrangement is not related to nuclear weapons directly
• It deals mainly with conventional arms and dual-use items
• It is not legally binding
• It does not impose sanctions
PDF File:
No PDF attached
Subject: International Relation
← Back