The new working paper by Dr Alexander Kelle analyzes the evolving debate over non-transfer and international cooperation norms in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The paper tracks how states, particularly the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and developed nations, have contested these norms across CWC Review Conferences. While NAM states push for stronger international cooperation, developed countries prioritize non-proliferation obligations, such as export controls. The research highlights persistent divisions and their impact on global chemical weapons governance, predicting that conflicting norm interpretations may persist for the foreseeable future.
Click here to read the full paper “Non-transfer vs International Cooperation? Evolving Norm Contestation in the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Regime”.