Wassenaar Agreement

Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies (hereafter referred to as the Wassenaar Arrangement) is a multilateral export control regime (MECR) with 42 participating states including many advanced industrial nations. Established in 1996, it succeeded the Cold War-era Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), aiming to contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies, thus preventing destabilizing accumulations.

Overview

The Wassenaar Arrangement focuses on the risks associated with the accumulation of conventional arms and sensitive dual-use goods and technologies. Unlike its predecessor, COCOM, which was primarily aimed at restricting the flow of such items to the then Eastern Bloc, the Wassenaar Arrangement has a broader scope. It seeks to ensure that transfers do not contribute to the development or enhancement of military capabilities that undermine these goals and are not diverted to support such capabilities.

Participating States

As of the last update, the Wassenaar Arrangement has 42 participating states, including most OECD countries and others such as Russia and South Africa. These states agree to maintain national export controls on an agreed list of dual-use goods and technologies and some conventional arms. The list is regularly updated to reflect technological developments and changes in the strategic environment.

Key Elements

The Wassenaar Arrangement is based on several key elements:

• Control Lists: Participating states agree to control exports based on an annually reviewed list of dual-use goods and technologies and a munitions list.
• Information Exchange: States exchange information on transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies covered by the lists.
• National Policies: Each participating state is responsible for implementing the Wassenaar Arrangement's provisions through its national policies.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Wassenaar Arrangement are to:

• Promote transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
• Prevent destabilizing accumulations of such items.
• Contribute to regional and international security and stability.

Challenges and Criticisms

The effectiveness of the Wassenaar Arrangement has been subject to debate. Critics argue that its consensus-based decision-making process can lead to inaction or the watering down of controls. Additionally, the arrangement faces challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and in ensuring that all relevant items are adequately covered by its control lists.

Conclusion

The Wassenaar Arrangement plays a crucial role in international efforts to regulate the trade in conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. While it faces challenges, its continued evolution and adaptation are vital for maintaining global security and stability.

Wassenaar Agreement Resources
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