Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Norway
Title
States sign treaty against the use of sub-munitions cluster bombs
Summary
Several states are meeting in Oslo to begin signing a treaty banning the use of sub-munitions cluster bombs. These weapons, in use since World War Two, have come under harsh criticism for being out-of-date and a treat to civilians, whom some experts say are 98% of the victims of these bombs. Though several key states, including the United States, Russia, and China, have not signed, the treaty may stigmatize these weapons so that international pressure will discourage their use.
Analysis
By signing the treaty banning the use of cluster bombs, the states which have convened in Oslo are actively trying to pursue change in the nature of modern warfare by swaying the international norms. Though several key states, including the United States, Russia, China, India, and Pakistan have failed to sign the treaty thus far, those who have signed hope that the treaty will put pressure on these governments. The greater the number of states who agree to the treaty, the greater pressure others will feel from the international community. Even if key states fail to sign the treaty, the overwhelming disapproval associated with use of sub-munitions will deter them from employing these tactics in the future.
This treaty, if it gains enough support, will mark cluster bombs as off-limits and illegitimate. Even without official adoption by all states, it will create pressure by altering the norms by which states operate. By vilifying these types of weapons, states can discourage their use in modern warfare; from now on, the use of sub-munitions will blemish a state’s reputation and jeopardize its chance of gaining international recognition for the legitimacy of its actions. In this way, the treaty is a powerful weapon of smaller states to sway the norms of the international community.
Perspectivei
Identity
In-Region URL
http://www.lemonde.fr/organisations-internationales/article/2008/12/03/une-centaine-de-pays-signent-un-traite-interdisant-les-bombes-a-sous-munitions_1126252_3220.html
Out-of-Region URL
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/200812/03/01-806772-une-centaine-de-pays-reunis-pour-interdire-les-bombes-a-sous-munitions.php
Submitted
December 3, 2008 at 7:25 pm