Arms control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in a Global Health Crisis

Many of the issues in arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament today predate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has reinforced negative trends and limited the international community's ability to address these issues. VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova made this point during an annual consultative meeting among the members of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC).

Much of the world of diplomacy runs on informal consultations and face-to-face meetings. But "Zoom diplomacy" cannot be a substitute for in-person and confidential meetings, which have become impossible in the current environment. In addition, the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, as well as concerns on the extension of New START, has cast doubt on the feasibility of arms control in the near term. All of this culminates to the real possibility of a new arms race on the European stage.

However, on a positive note, Ms. Sokova observed that the recent strategic stability talks between the United States and the Russian Federation in Vienna are a good sign. They are the first in-depth talks between the two countries in years. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to implement safeguards during the pandemic and the JCPOA continues to function without the participation of the United States. For this, Ms. Sokova said, the IAEA and  European partners are to be commended.

She also observed that, while COVID-19 has presented challenges, the postponement of the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons may well be an opportunity for States Parties to rethink approaches on reaching a consensus final document or to secure commitments on less controversial issues.

Ms. Sokova argued that Europe should continue efforts to amplify its voice, especially in arms control and non-proliferation. This is particularly salient today, as the international community grapples with the new geopolitical reality and is not yet sure what the extent of the pandemic's effects will be.

In this new reality, consideration should be paid to transparency building, military balance management, promoting a return to multilateralism and retaining humanitarian values in the non-proliferation and arms control space. Europe can and should play a leading role in promoting these values, said Ms. Sokova.