Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 04/2013

The Future of the Chemical Weapons Convention: Policy and Planning Aspects

Mohamed Daoudi, John Hart, Ajey Lele, Ralf Trapp

April 2013

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Abstract

Chemical weapon disarmament remains central to the implementation of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). But full and effective implementation also entails a wide variety of other activities. To achieve all these goals, in the coming months and years the states parties to the CWC will determine how the regime will adapt to the changing international security environment and to developments in science and technology. This report presents proposals for strategic approaches and directions for the parties to consider in their assessment of the CWC’s operation. By placing the convention in a broader security and technological context, it examines operational and policy issues, with a view to informing the future activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The report will be of lasting interest and relevance to those interested in functional aspects of implementing the CWC regime and maintaining its future relevance.