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The International Regime Prohibiting Chemical Weapons and Its Evolution

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Regulating Global Security

Abstract

The chemical weapons prohibition regime is unique among the regimes addressing nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. It qualifies as a strong prohibition regime with a high norm density and a dedicated international organisation to verify implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and assist states parties with its implementation, nationally and internationally. The paper adopts a broader institutional approach and utilises elements of historical institutionalism to analyse the evolution of the regime. More specifically it addresses the norms providing guidance to states on chemical weapons disarmament, non-proliferation, national implementation, and assistance and protection against chemical weapons use before discussing Syrian accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention and its implications for evolution of the regime as it seeks to transition to a world free of chemical weapons.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. OPCW, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Alexander Kelle

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  1. Alexander Kelle
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Metropolitan University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

    Nik Hynek

  2. Institute of International Relations Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

    Ondrej Ditrych

  3. Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

    Vit Stritecky

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Kelle, A. (2019). The International Regime Prohibiting Chemical Weapons and Its Evolution. In: Hynek, N., Ditrych, O., Stritecky, V. (eds) Regulating Global Security . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98599-2_7

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