Confidence-building and security-building measures in the nuclear area with relevance for South Asia

Abstract

This paper addresses some relevant issues concerning whether it is possible to envision arms control and confidence-building and security-building measures (CSBMs) in South Asia, a region characterized by highly competitive and extremely adversarial political relationships. It makes the case that, despite mutual hostility, competing nuclear weapon development programmes and opposing strategic cultures, both India and Pakistan could usefully consider and implement a series of CSBMs in the realm of arms control. These include a unilateral joint protocol to the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, regional nuclear fuel cycle options, and CSBMs in the nuclear field.