Online published on 2 May, 2013.
This article explores how crises help in the initiation of arms control processes and how catastrophic relationships at times have positive impacts. It examines how the Cold War helped start arms control talks between the United States and the Soviet Union and why the two countries took steps for controlling, managing and regulating their weapons. Events like the Cuban Missile Crisis highlighted the possibility of nuclear war and urged the two superpowers to take steps to control and reduce their arsenals. In South Asia as well, India and Pakistan learned from Cold War lessons and initiated arms control measures after engaging in potentially disastrous confrontations. This article details Cold War and South Asian arms control processes and points out that most agreements and treaties have been signed after coming to the brink of nuclear conflict or waging major wars.
