Discussion Starters - Disarmament and Non-Proliferation


	Nuclear Weapons What is the difference between non-proliferation and total disarmament? Why do some member states within the UN favor non-proliferation and others total disarmament? Why do some countries want to develop nuclear weapons? Are there any countries that have dismantled their nuclear weapon programs? Which countries have nuclear weapons? Which are the countries that are currently trying to develop nuclear weapons and why? Do people need nuclear weapons for self-defense? What international treaties exist to prevent the development and use of nuclear weapons? Why would a country sign and ratify these treaties? Why would a country not sign or sign but not ratify these treaties? What is the effectiveness of multilateral treaties? What do we do with existing nuclear weapons? How do we decommission existing nuclear weapons in a safe way for both the environment and for people? Have nuclear weapons ever been used? If so, how have nuclear weapons been used? Are there any dangers in testing nuclear weapons? How are nuclear weapons tested? Which countries have tested nuclear weapons? How many nuclear weapons exist in the world today? Are nuclear weapons today more powerful than those built during the Cold War? Which states own the majority of the world’s nuclear weapons? How are nuclear warheads deployed, on which delivery systems? Is total disarmament possible? Has any country ever given up its nuclear weapons? Small Arms and Light Weapons What is the difference between gun control and disarmament? Do people need small arms for self-protection? How many small arms are there in the world? Where do small arms come from? Which countries make and sell small arms? Why do people want small arms? Which countries purchase small arms? Who are the victims of violence associated with small arms? How many people die each year from small arms related violence? Which countries suffer the most casualties from small arms? Why do some people refer to small arms as weapons of mass destruction? Can you estimate the number of small arms in any one country? How many people are shot but survive? Where are the "hot spots" around the world where lethal violence is associated with small arms? Who manufacturers the majority of small arms? What is the most famous small weapon in the world? Who sells and who buys small arms? Why do small arms flow from one part of the world to another? What strategies exist for small arms disarmament? How can the international community control and prevent the traffic of small arms? What can be done with guns already in existence, especially stockpiles of small arms? What steps is the UN currently taking to address the proliferation of small arms? Which countries manufacture light weapons? Should we be concerned about the legal trade of light weapons? Or should we be more concerned about the illicit traffic of these weapons? How are light weapons trafficked illegally? Where are the current "hot spots" where light weapons are trafficked and why are weapons flowing to these areas? What steps could the international community make to control and prevent the trade and proliferation of light weapons? What measures have been taken so far by the UN? Chemical, Biological and Toxin Weapons Have chemical, biological and toxin weapons ever been used in any other war besides World War I? If so, where have they been used, and by whom? What living organisms can be used to make biological weapons? Are there any known stockpiles of chemical, biological and toxin weapons; if so where? What are the known effects of chemical, biological and toxin weapons on the body? Is there an international treaty that prohibits the manufacutre and use of chemical, biological and toxin weapons manufacture and use? Radiological Weapons What is a dirty bomb? Is there any indication that such bombs actually exist in the world? Which countries in the world have nuclear power plants? What are the potentially hazardous and radioactive materials manufactured in nuclear power plants? What happens with the radioactive waste from nuclear power plants? Are there international safeguards for radioactive materials? If so, what international body is responsible for safeguards? Is there an international treaty that bans the manufacture of radiological weapons? Major Conventional Weapons Which countries manufacture heavy conventional weapons? Furthermore, which are the leading states that export conventional weapons and ammunition? Which countries purchase conventional weapons? How much money do you think is spent buying conventional weapons each year? Can you think of any recent conflicts or wars which involved the transfer of conventional weapons? Do arms-exporting states have the responsibility to prevent weapons from being used to fuel conflicts and human rights abuses? And should there be stronger international controls on the transfer of conventional weapons? Landmines and Cluster Bombs Which countries manufacture landmines? Which countries manufacture cluster bombs? Can you think of any recent conflicts, which involved the use of anti-personnel weapons? Do states that manufacture landmines and cluster bombs have the responsibility to remove live munitions in post conflict situations? How are landmines and cluster bombs detected and decommissioned, or taken apart in the field? Which countries have the most casualties due to landmines? Describe what you think might happen if someone stepped on a landmine or picked up a bomblet? Are there any treaties banning the use of land mines and cluster bombs?


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