GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY FAISALABAD

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

ASSIGNMENT

TITLE: ARMS CONTROL TREATIES DURING COLD WAR

COURSE TITLE: ARMS CONTROL, DISARMAMENT, AND NUCLEAR NON-

PROLIFERATION

COURSE CODE: IRS-611

SUBMITTED BY: IFRA SAEED

ROLL NO: 3042

CLASS: BS IR 7TH MORNING

SUBMITTED TO: SIR MOHSIN RAZA

Introduction
During the Cold War era, spanning roughly from the end of World War II in 1945 to the collapse
of the Soviet Union in 1991, arms control treaties played a pivotal role in shaping the
geopolitical landscape. Fueled by the intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet
Union, these agreements aimed to manage the arms race and mitigate the threat of nuclear
conflict. The era witnessed a complex interplay of negotiations, strategic considerations, and
diplomatic maneuvering as both superpowers sought to balance military capabilities while
avoiding the catastrophic consequences of all-out war. This introduction explores the key
dynamics and significance of arms control treaties during this tense period in global history.

The Cold War arms control landscape was marked by a series of landmark agreements, reflecting
the constant tension between the superpowers. The negotiation process was intricate, often
reflecting the broader political climate and shifting power dynamics. Both sides engaged in a
delicate dance of trust-building and verification measures. Confidence-building measures, such
as on-site inspections and information exchanges, were integral to fostering transparency and
ensuring compliance with the agreed-upon limitations. While arms control treaties did not
eliminate the ideological divide or the underlying geopolitical tensions, they provided a
framework for dialogue and cooperation, reducing the risk of catastrophic conflict during a
period defined by the constant specter of mutually assured destruction.

Key Arms Control Treaties During the Cold War Era:

Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT)

The Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), signed on August 5, 1963, stands as a pivotal moment in
Cold War history. In response to the environmental and health hazards posed by nuclear
weapons testing, the treaty sought to limit such tests, specifically in the atmosphere, outer space,
and underwater. This marked a critical step in acknowledging the global consequences of nuclear
arms development.
Key Objectives:

The primary objective of the PTBT was to curb the nuclear arms race by restricting tests that
resulted in radioactive fallout. By prohibiting atmospheric tests, the treaty aimed to address the
environmental and health risks associated with the release of radioactive particles.

International Significance:

Signed by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom, the PTBT represented a
collaborative effort to address the broader implications of nuclear testing. The agreement
underscored a shared commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of nuclear weapons
development.

Shift to Underground Testing:

A distinctive feature of the PTBT was its mandate for nuclear tests to be conducted exclusively
underground. This shift in testing practices aimed to reduce the release of radioactive materials
into the atmosphere, showcasing a growing awareness of the need for responsible nuclear
weapons development.

Legacy and Future Agreements:

While the PTBT did not eliminate nuclear testing entirely, it set a crucial precedent for
international cooperation on arms control. Its legacy is evident in subsequent agreements, such as
the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) of 1996, which aspired to ban all nuclear
explosions for both civilian and military purposes.

The PTBT remains a landmark treaty, reflecting a concerted effort to balance military objectives
with global environmental concerns. Its impact resonates in the ongoing pursuit of
comprehensive nuclear disarmament and arms control measures aimed at fostering a more secure
and sustainable world.
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) – 1972

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I), initiated during the early 1970s amidst Cold War
tensions, culminated in a ground-breaking treaty signed in 1972. This historic agreement aimed
to impose limitations on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the United States and the Soviet Union,
fostering a delicate balance between military strength and global stability.

Key Provisions:

SALT I focused on curbing the growth of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and
submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The treaty established specific numerical limits
on these delivery systems, aiming to prevent an unchecked arms race and reduce the risk of
nuclear confrontation.

Negotiation Dynamics:

The negotiations were intricate, reflecting the geopolitical complexities of the Cold War. Both
superpowers sought to safeguard their strategic interests while recognizing the imperative to
avoid a nuclear catastrophe. The talks involved meticulous discussions on verification measures
and addressing concerns related to potential imbalances in military capabilities.

Impact on Geopolitics:

The signing of SALT I marked a significant thaw in U.S.-Soviet relations, providing a

framework for managing the nuclear arms race. The treaty signaled a shared commitment to
arms control and set the stage for future agreements, contributing to a more stable international
environment during a period of heightened Cold War tensions.

Verification and Transparency:

Integral to SALT I was the emphasis on verification mechanisms to ensure compliance with the
agreed-upon limitations. This included provisions for on-site inspections and data exchanges,
fostering transparency and mutual trust between the two superpowers.

Legacy and Follow-up:

SALT I laid the groundwork for subsequent arms control negotiations, demonstrating that
diplomatic dialogue could mitigate the risks of nuclear conflict. While the limitations set by the
treaty were eventually surpassed by evolving military technologies, its legacy endured through
the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) agreements that followed in later years.

SALT I, with its focus on strategic arms limitations and diplomatic collaboration, played a
crucial role in shaping Cold War geopolitics. Its success in balancing military imperatives with
global security concerns showcased the potential for international cooperation in managing the
nuclear arms race.

Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) – 1972

Signed in 1972, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) emerged as a critical component of
Cold War arms control efforts. Crafted during a period of heightened tension between the United
States and the Soviet Union, the treaty aimed to restrict the deployment of anti-ballistic missile
(ABM) systems, recognizing the delicate balance required to maintain global strategic
equilibrium.

Mutual Limitations on ABM Systems:

A key provision of the ABM Treaty was the mutual agreement between the U.S. and the Soviet
Union to limit the deployment of ABM systems. The rationale behind this limitation was to
prevent one side from gaining a strategic advantage by rendering its population centers
impervious to nuclear missile attacks.

Preserving Mutual Vulnerability:

The ABM Treaty rested on the principle of preserving mutual vulnerability, acknowledging that
the assurance of a retaliatory strike acted as a deterrent against the use of nuclear weapons. By
constraining the development of extensive missile defense systems, the treaty sought to maintain
the delicate balance of power.

Strategic Stability and Deterrence:

Central to the ABM Treaty was the recognition that an effective missile defense could upset the
traditional concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Both superpowers understood that a
robust defense could undermine the credibility of deterrence, potentially leading to an arms race
and increased instability.

End of the ABM Treaty:

The ABM Treaty endured for several decades but faced challenges in the changing geopolitical
landscape. In 2002, the United States withdrew from the treaty, citing concerns about emerging
missile threats. This marked a shift in strategic thinking, with subsequent developments focusing
on missile defense capabilities.

Legacy and Contemporary Implications:

The ABM Treaty left a lasting legacy as a testament to the delicate balance required for
maintaining global stability during the Cold War. Its termination, however, raises questions
about the role of missile defense in contemporary geopolitics and the challenges associated with
preserving strategic equilibrium in an evolving security landscape.

The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, while no longer in force, remains a significant chapter
in Cold War history. Its establishment and subsequent dissolution reflect the complexities of
balancing defense capabilities with the imperative of strategic stability on the global stage.

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) – Unratified, 1979

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II), initiated as a follow-up to the successful SALT
I negotiations, unfolded against the backdrop of escalating Cold War tensions. Despite its
significance, the SALT II treaty, signed in 1979, faced challenges on its path to ratification,
reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape of the late 1970s.

Key Provisions of SALT II:

SALT II aimed to build upon the achievements of its predecessor by further reducing and
limiting the strategic arms arsenals of the United States and the Soviet Union. The treaty
encompassed provisions to control the number of multiple-warhead missiles and establish
numerical limits on strategic launchers.

Context of Cold War Realities:

The late 1970s witnessed a renewed Cold War atmosphere, marked by heightened distrust and
ideological rivalry between the superpowers. This contentious backdrop impacted the ratification
process of SALT II, as political considerations and strategic concerns played a significant role in
shaping the fate of the treaty.

Opposition and Criticism:

SALT II encountered opposition in the United States, with critics expressing concerns about
perceived imbalances in favor of the Soviet Union. Public sentiment, combined with geopolitical
events such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, contributed to the unratified status of
the treaty.

The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan:

The Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan further strained U.S.-Soviet relations and
became a pivotal factor in the fate of SALT II. The invasion led to a deterioration of diplomatic
trust and heightened tensions, influencing the decision not to submit the treaty for Senate
ratification.

Legacy and Unfinished Business:

While SALT II was never ratified, it left a lasting impact on subsequent arms control efforts. The
provisions and principles outlined in the treaty contributed to the foundation of later agreements,
emphasizing the complexities of balancing military considerations with the evolving political
dynamics of the Cold War.

SALT II, despite its unratified status, remains a significant chapter in Cold War arms control
history. Its fate reflects the intricate interplay of geopolitical realities, public sentiment, and
strategic considerations that defined an era marked by the persistent specter of nuclear conflict.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) of 1987

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), signed in 1987, holds a pivotal place in
the history of the Cold War. This assignment delves into the geopolitical context of the 1980s,
the genesis of the INF Treaty, its key provisions, verification mechanisms, impact on global
security, the factors leading to its demise, and its lasting legacy.

Context of the Cold War Era:

In the 1980s, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an intense arms race,
heightening global tensions. This period saw the strategic significance of intermediate-range
missiles, particularly in Europe, contributing to a climate of heightened nuclear anxiety.

Genesis of the INF Treaty:

The INF Treaty emerged as a response to the deployment of intermediate-range nuclear missiles
in Europe and the escalating threat of nuclear conflict. Diplomatic negotiations, including the
Reagan-Gorbachev summits, played a crucial role in setting the stage for arms control
agreements.

Key Provisions of the INF Treaty:

The treaty imposed specific limitations on the deployment and testing of intermediate-range
missiles, leading to the elimination of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles. This
contributed significantly to the reduction of nuclear arsenals on both sides.

Verification Mechanisms:

Verification measures, such as on-site inspections and data exchanges, were integral to the INF
Treaty. These measures aimed to build transparency and trust between the United States and the
Soviet Union, fostering an environment conducive to arms control.

Impact on Global Security:

The INF Treaty had a profound impact on global security by eliminating intermediate-range
missiles, reducing the risk of nuclear conflict, and contributing to regional stability. The treaty
exemplified the potential of arms control agreements to reshape the geopolitical landscape.

Demise of the INF Treaty:

Despite its initial success, the INF Treaty faced challenges that ultimately led to its demise.
Factors such as accusations of non-compliance, changes in geopolitical dynamics, and the U.S.
withdrawal in 2019 marked the end of this historic agreement.

Legacy and Contemporary Relevance:

The lasting legacy of the INF Treaty is evident in subsequent arms control efforts. Its demise
raises questions about the contemporary relevance of arms control agreements in addressing
current global security challenges and the potential impact on future diplomatic endeavors.

The INF Treaty remains a milestone in Cold War arms control, reflecting both the possibilities
and challenges of diplomatic efforts to mitigate the threat of nuclear conflict. As the world
grapples with evolving security dynamics, the lessons learned from the INF Treaty continue to
inform discussions on the importance of international cooperation in shaping a more secure
future.

START I (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) – 1991

The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), signed in 1991, emerged as a landmark
agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, signaling a significant shift in the
post-Cold War era. This note explores the context, key provisions, verification mechanisms, and
the enduring impact of START I on global security.

Post-Cold War Context:

As the Cold War came to a close, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically. START I was a
product of changing dynamics, reflecting the willingness of the U.S. and Soviet Union to reduce
their nuclear arsenals in a new era characterized by thawing tensions.

Key Provisions of START I:

START I focused on substantial reductions in strategic nuclear arms, imposing limits on the
number of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic
missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers. This marked a departure from the Cold War era’s
emphasis on numerical parity.

Verification and Transparency:

A crucial aspect of START I was its robust verification mechanisms. The treaty established an
extensive system of on-site inspections, data exchanges, and notifications, fostering transparency
and mutual confidence between the former adversaries.

Implementation Challenges:

Despite the positive intent of START I, the treaty faced challenges in implementation. Issues
such as the dismantling of nuclear warheads, conversion of launchers, and compliance concerns
added complexity to the process, requiring diplomatic finesse.

Impact on Global Security:

START I had a profound impact on global security by significantly reducing the nuclear arsenals
of the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The treaty contributed to a more stable international
environment, marking a departure from the arms race mentality of the Cold War.

Follow-up Agreements:

START I set the stage for subsequent arms control agreements, including START II and START
III. These agreements built upon the foundation laid by START I, further reducing nuclear
arsenals and solidifying the commitment to a post-Cold War era of disarmament.

START I stands as a pivotal treaty that encapsulates the spirit of cooperation and disarmament
that characterized the post-Cold War era. Its legacy is evident not only in the substantial
reductions it achieved but also in the diplomatic framework it established for future arms control
efforts.