Publication

This paper analyzes the costs and benefits of chemical weapons disarmament based on the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) of 1997. Using a cost effectiveness assessment, the paper elaborates on the underlying economic considerations that influence the perception of the convention by the state parties. The author argues that many of the benefits that persuade countries to join the convention are economic in nature. Subsequently, the paper reviews the concept of a peace dividend related to disarmament and suggests that arms control and disarmament might not be the most cost-effective way to approach global security.