| ID | 116293 |
| Title Proper | Practices of legalization in arms control and disarmament |
| Other Title Information | the ICRC, CCW and landmines |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Mathur, Ritu |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | It has long been assumed that progress toward arms control and disarmament is possible only after constituting legal frameworks from which such an action could be initiated. Although the legal framework regarding a particular weapon might be questioned for its effectiveness, the related practices of legalization themselves are rarely interrogated. This article problematizes practices of legalization in the field of arms control and disarmament. It builds upon innovations by critical security studies scholars to scrutinize the ICRC's engagement with the problem of conventional weapons, especially landmines. Study of practices of legalization demonstrate the embeddedness of legal discourses in the regulation and prohibition of weapons. It compels, state and non-state actors to represent their interests in legal terms and represents their efforts as attempts towards developing existing legal frameworks. This article acknowledges the experiences with practices of legalization in the preceding half-century of arms control and disarmament negotiations. A reflection on these experiences exposes the limitations and possibilities of practices of legalization and encourages alternative approaches to regulating and prohibiting weapons. |
| `In' analytical Note | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 33, No.3; Dec 2012: p.413-436 |
| Journal Source | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 33, No.3; Dec 2012: p.413-436 |
| Key Words | Arms Control and Disarmament ; Conventional Weapons ; Arms Control and Disarmament Negotiations |