Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-no.png "Flag of Norway") | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Cluster Munitions Treaty Signed in Norway
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| Summary |
This week in Oslo, Norway, a treaty was signed by upwards of 90 countries, including Afghanistan, to ban the use, production, transfer and/or stockpile of cluster munitions. These weapons are generally dropped from planes and explode in midair. The result is that hundreds of smaller yet lethal bombs are scattered on the ground below. These weapons often remain for years to come threatening to maim and even kill civilians. The treaty has been passed in light of the humanitarian issues this creates.
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| Analysis |
The Convention on Cluster Munitions, largely influenced by the Norwegian government, has interesting international implications. States like the United States, Russia, India and China, who are the largest proponents in this problem, have chosen not to sign this treaty. Washington asserts that to cease the use of cluster munitions use will prove extremely detrimental to its armed forces. Despite the fact that the United States has chosen not to sign, Afghanistan has chosen to sign this treaty. Afghanistan’s action here shows it increased independence from the US sphere of power.
Each of the states that have chosen to sign this treaty shows a belief in diplomacy and interdependence. The very nature of a treaty is diplomatic in that it recognizes the possible shortcomings of merely exerting military force to accomplish political agendas and attempts instead to promote negotiation. Likewise, this treaty recognizes the interdependence of states to bring the use of these deadly weapons, whose victims are comprised of 98% civilians, to an end. The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, notes that even states who have not signed the treaty will face increased political difficulty in the future should they chose to use these weapons. He suggests that this treaty signed by over 90 countries, will place some increased moral responsibility on the states that have not signed. In addition, this treaty will serve to decrease the market for cluster munitions sales, another example of interdependence.
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| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | December 5, 2008 at 11:27 am | |
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