Weapons of mass destruction: The state of global governance amid rising threats & emerging opportunities

Abstract

The international security landscape is undergoing profound transformations, creating new challenges for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) governance. While the world has made significant progress in eliminating and reducing chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons stockpiles, recent trends indicate weakening norms and a growing risk of WMD use. The report examines the strengths and weaknesses of existing WMD governance systems, focusing on inherent challenges such as inclusivity, the right to withdraw from treaties, and the lack of robust verification and accountability mechanisms. The report also addresses emerging gaps driven by technological change, the evolving character of conflict, and the convergence of risks across different WMD categories, such as the growing interplay between chemical, biological, and digital threats. Based on these observations, the report offers recommendations for strengthening global governance, focusing on adapting to convergence, fostering greater scientific and technical collaboration, and pursuing innovative approaches to accountability. – AI-generated abstract.