Conventional Weapons

Conventional Weapons - Modern Armament

Introduction

Conventional weapons, in contrast to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), are non-nuclear, non-chemical, and non-biological weapons that are used in contemporary conflicts. Understanding conventional weapons is essential in assessing their moral and ethical implications in warfare.

Conventional Weapons

Conventional weapons are a category of weapons that do not involve nuclear, chemical, or biological elements. They include firearms, artillery, missiles, bombs, and various other non-WMD armaments.

Types of Conventional Weapons

• Small arms include rifles, pistols, and submachine guns, commonly used by military and security forces.
• Conventional artillery includes howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers, which fire projectiles. Associated munitions include shells and rockets.
• These weapons can be launched from ground or air platforms, including anti-tank missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
• Conventional bombs, such as gravity bombs and cluster munitions, are used in aerial warfare.
• Naval vessels employ a range of conventional weapons, including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

Historical Context

World Wars I and II

Conventional weapons played a significant role in these conflicts, leading to devastating consequences and reshaping the nature of warfare.

Conventional Arms Control Agreements

International agreements like the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty) sought to limit conventional arms in Europe during the Cold War era.

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Conventional Weapons

Modern International Agreements

Arms Trade Treaty (ATT - 2014):

The ATT aims to regulate the international trade in conventional arms to prevent their diversion to illicit markets or uses that may fuel conflict and human rights abuses.

Cluster Munitions Convention (CCM - 2010):

The CCM bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, which have severe humanitarian impacts on civilian populations.

Recent Developments

Conflict in Ukraine:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has witnessed the use of conventional weapons, with international concerns over the conflict's human toll.

Armed Conflicts in the Middle East:

Conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and other Middle Eastern nations have seen the use of conventional weapons, with associated humanitarian crises.

Ethical and Moral Issues

Proportionality:

The principle of proportionality in the use of conventional weapons emphasizes that the harm caused should not outweigh the military advantage gained.

Discrimination:

Conventional weapons should be used with discrimination, avoiding attacks on civilians and civilian objects.

Conclusion

Understanding conventional weapons is crucial for evaluating the moral and ethical implications of their use in modern conflicts. Considerations of proportionality, discrimination, and adherence to international agreements are central to discussions of the ethical aspects of conventional weapons