Verification of Conventional Arms Control in Europe: Technological Constraints and Opportunities

The first of a projected two-volume study, this book provides an in-depth examination of the full range of methods for the verification of a conventional arms control regime in Europe. Offering contributions by specialists from both the East and West, it explores the technological aspects of verification as they relate to the proposals currently under consideration at the CFE talks in Vienna. Although it evaluates relevant technology, this book is primarily focused on the dynamics of successfully monitoring a European arms control agreement. Significant experience has been gained from other arms control regimes, most notably the INF agreement, which established a precedent for extensive on-site inspections. The contributors seek to identify the optimal mix of monitoring methods most applicable to the important items on the CFE agenda. The multilateral nature of the CFE negotiations presents the organizational challenges for the coordination of sharing information and technology to overcome the large discrepancies in verification technology expertise. Verification of Conventional Arms Control in Europe points toward a specific and attainable verification regime that could be incorporated into the present arms control negotiations.