The Arms Control Primer

In this episode of The Arms Control Poseur, the podcast delves into the critical role of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in regulating the international arms trade and promoting global security. Host Wolf-Christian Paes is joined by expert Roy Isbister to explore how the ATT is shaping global arms control efforts, the challenges it faces and its impact on conflict zones. With the proliferation of weapons being a key issue in international security, the second episode of season three provides an in-depth insight at how the treaty aims to promote international accountability, transparency and responsibility in arms trade. Wolf-Christian Paes is a Senior Fellow for Armed Conflict at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Wolf-Christian is part of the Conflict, Security and Development Programme, where he leads a project on the effectiveness of non-military conflict resolution and stabilization tools, in particular with regard to non-state armed groups. Roy Isbister leads Saferworld's work on conventional arms. Working with governments, parliamentarians, civil society representatives and the media, he has more than 20 years’ experience in advocating for responsible arms transfer control rules, policies and practices at national, regional and international levels. He has edited and authored research papers, reports, policy briefings and articles on arms transfers and arms transfer controls. He has chaired the Geneva Process on Small Arms, been the civil society member of the Board of the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms, was a long-serving member of the Board of the global Control Arms Coalition, and is the Coordinator of the UK NGO Working Group on Arms. Roy holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Kent. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 28 August 2024  The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of season 3, podcast host Wolf-Christian Paes is joined by Dr Aaron Arnold to discuss the future of the North Korean UN Sanctions Regime. As the regime continues its nuclear ambitions and tests the patience of the international community, we examine how effective the current sanctions are, what changes could be on the horizon, and how global powers like the U.S., China and Russia are influencing the future of these measures. This episode provides a nuanced analysis of the diplomatic and strategic challenges shaping the North Korean sanctions regime and its impact on global security.This episode's guest: Dr Aaron Arnold is a Senior Associate Fellow with the Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies at The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), where his work focuses on sanctions and proliferation financing.This episode's host: Wolf-Christian Paes is a Senior Fellow for Armed Conflict at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Wolf-Christian is part of the Conflict, Security and Development Programme, where he leads a project on the effectiveness of non-military conflict resolution and stabilization tools, in particular with regard to non-state armed groups. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 22 July 2024    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen joins William on the last episode of the second season of The Arms Control Poseur podcast, to talk about the First Session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) of the 2026 Review Conference (RevCon) of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Amb. Viinanen walks us through the challenges that were faced during the session (such as the circumstances in Ukraine, Russia, Iran and North Korea), and the lessons learned for the future of the NPT regime. Amb. Viinanen also provided recommendations for the Chair of the next session of the PrepCom. Jarmo Viinanen is the Ambassador for Arms Control at the Finnish Foreign Ministry. His main responsibilities are strategic issues, nuclear policy and nuclear non-proliferation, and conventional arms control in Europe. He was the Head of Delegation of the Tenth NPT Review Conference and the Facilitator of informal consultations on facilitating convergence of views on elements of a final document at the Tenth NPT Review Conference.‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 19 December 2023    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the ninth episode of season 2, William is joined by Laura J. Gross to discuss the completion of the destruction of the US chemical weapons stockpile. In order to understand the current commitments of the United States to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), Laura J. Gross joins William to discuss the completion of the destruction of the US chemical weapons stockpile, which was announced on the 7th of July 2023. This destruction was then verified by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In this episode, Ms Gross discusses the challenges that were faced in the destruction of this stockpile, and outlines the achievement itself in light of upholding global norms on arms control and verifiability. However, various challenges remain regarding the implementation of the Convention's provision, such as the conflict in Gaza, the potential possession of chemical weapons by the Syrian Arab Republic, and the war in Ukraine. Ms Gross explains how the US assists other countries in the destruction of their declared chemical weapons stockpiles. When looking towards the future of the CWC, Ms Gross also touches upon the renewed use of chemical weapons by Syria, Russia, and North Korea and what the US is undertaking to counter the return to such use.    Laura J. Gross is the director of the Office of Chemical and Biological Weapons Affairs, Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, at the United States Department of State, and she is the Executive Director of the US National Authority for the CWC. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 23 February 2024   The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programmeThe Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William is joined by Anna Péczeli to discuss Russian perspectives on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Partial and Threshold Bans.  Following the Russian withdrawal of its ratification of the CTBT, Anna explores the history of Russian nuclear signalling, the Russian rhetoric on the CTBT and its future. They also examine the functioning of the CTBT, its history and achievements, and the consequences of the Russian withdrawal. This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of nuclear treaties and the evolving security architecture in Europe.  Dr Anna Péczeli is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She is also an affiliate at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University, and an affiliate at the Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies (ISDS) at the National University of Public Service in Budapest, Hungary.The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.       We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 13 November 2023      The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.  Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme. The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the seventh episode of season 2, host William Alberque is joined by Allison Pytlak, Cyber Program Lead at the Stimson Center, to explore the challenges and multifaceted nature of maintaining secure cyberspace.  William and Allison delve into the complexities of cyber threats ranging from state-sponsored activities to non-state actors, discussing the roles of arms control and non-proliferation in managing these threats. The discussion covers significant ground on how international laws, norms and treaties can be adapted to the evolving cyber landscape, highlighting key incidents and potential frameworks for better governance. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.     Date of Recording: 20 December 2023     The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/. IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme. The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast host William Alberque welcomes Leonardo Bandera to discuss the legacy of the Cuban Missile Crisis and its impact on nuclear non-proliferation efforts in Latin America.  The discussion covers the historical backdrop of nuclear threats in the region, the inception of these treaties, and their impact on preventing nuclear proliferation. Insights into the operational and political challenges faced during the treaties' negotiations offer listeners a deeper understanding of how these agreements have shaped international relations and security frameworks. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersections of history, politics, and the enduring quest for global peace and security. Join us as we explore how these initiatives have influenced global non-proliferation efforts and what lessons can be applied today. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.   We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to 'The Arms Control Poseur' on the podcast platform of your choice.    Date of Recording: 14 November 2023    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.  For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Alberque is joined by Dr Simona Soare to explore the nuances of AI as a dual-use technology, its integration into military and civilian sectors, and the ethical, legal, and strategic challenges it represents.  This episode delves into specific concerns such as AI in autonomous weapons, facial recognition and societal monitoring, discussing the potential for both innovation and oversight. They discuss the global efforts to govern AI’s military applications, including international treaties and national policies, and the varying approaches by different global powers. Dr Soare sheds light on how AI could reshape future warfare and the balance of power, emphasizing the critical need for a responsible governance framework. Dr Simona R. Soare is a Professor of Strategy and Technology at Lancaster University. She specialises in defence innovation and emerging technologies, software-defined defence, digital transformation of defence, and future of war. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.    Date of Recording: 14 November 2023    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of season 2, host William Alberque is joined by Simon Cleobury, Head of Arms Control and Disarmament at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its connection to arms control. William Alberque and Simon Cleobury delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of arms control, examining the dual-edged sword AI represents in modern warfare and disarmament efforts. They explore the pressing concerns around autonomous weapon systems, the existing and proposed frameworks for regulation, and the challenges of ensuring human control in decision-making processes. This episode not only sheds light on the state of AI in military applications but also prompts a deeper reflection on the future of international security and the role of diplomacy in navigating these uncharted waters. The Arms Control Poseur is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.    We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.   Date of Recording: 19 October 2023   The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third episode of season 2, host William Alpert delves into the intricate relationship between gender perspectives, arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. Joined by Federica Dall’Arche, a senior research associate at the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, along with colleagues Louis Reitmann and Mara Zarka, the discussion illuminates the nuanced ways in which gender affects and is affected by weapons and warfare. The conversation explores the historical context of women's involvement in disarmament efforts, the gendered impacts of weapons from landmines to AI-driven systems, and the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches in arms control policies. Federica shares compelling evidence and personal insights on how societal norms and biological differences influence the susceptibility and treatment of different genders in the face of armed violence, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and educated negotiation approaches in treaty-making. The discussion is part of a three-part episode on women, peace and security. The Arms Control Poseur is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.  Date of Recording: 1 December 2023  The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    Links:  Funder: nonproliferation.eu/ IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com ‘The Arms Control Primer’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.