Wassenaar Arrangement

Wassenaar Arrangement members map

Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies is a multilateral export control regime (MECR) with 42 participating states including many Advanced Industrial Nations and Suppliers of Military Equipment. Established in July 1996, it succeeded the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), which was created during the Cold War to monitor and control the export of strategic materials and technologies to the Warsaw Pact nations.

Overview

The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) aims 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. Participating states seek through their national policies to ensure that transfers of these items 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, the European Union, and other states committed to the principles of the arrangement. Each participating state is responsible for implementing the WA guidelines through its national export control laws.

Key Elements

The arrangement is based on several key elements:

• Lists of controlled items, which are divided into two categories: Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.
• Policies and procedures for the exchange of information among participating states on denials of transfers of controlled items.
• Mechanisms for periodic review of the lists of controlled items to ensure their relevance to contemporary security concerns and technological developments.

Control Lists

The Wassenaar Arrangement maintains two types of control lists:

• The Munitions List, which covers items specifically designed or modified for military use.
• The Dual-Use Goods and Technologies List, which includes items that can be used for both civilian and military applications.

These lists are updated regularly to adapt to the changing landscape of international security and technology.

Challenges and Criticisms

The effectiveness of the Wassenaar Arrangement has been subject to debate. Critics argue that the non-binding nature of the arrangement and the reliance on national implementation allow for significant variance in enforcement and effectiveness. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancement and the emergence of new suppliers outside the arrangement pose ongoing challenges to its goals.

Future Directions

The Wassenaar Arrangement continues to evolve in response to changes in the global security environment and advancements in technology. Efforts to engage with non-participating states, harmonize national export control systems, and adapt the control lists to new realities are ongoing. The arrangement plays a critical role in the international community's efforts to regulate the trade in arms and sensitive technologies, balancing the needs of national security with the imperatives of global commerce and cooperation.