[Doctoral seminar] Why do countries join arms control treaties?

We invite PhD researchers and early-career researchers to join us for this seminar where we will dive into the practice and theory of arms control treaty negotiations. In the second doctoral seminar of 2024, organised by the Arms Control Law Hub, we examine and analyse why countries join arms control treaties.

Many questions around motivations of countries to join international agreements remain. While it seems obvious that countries generally aim at enhancing their own security by joining arms control agreements, there is still little empirical analysis to support this argument. Building upon studies in other branches of international law we want to carefully analyse why countries sign and ratify arms control agreements and discuss which conclusions we can draw from that. We will approach the question by using the tools of political economy, and determine which parts are relevant for legal analysis as well. We will also address how to improve and perhaps speed up the processes that will facilitate the entry into force of treaties, in particular of arms control agreements. 

Download the latest version of the programme

Registration and abstracts
After lectures by key experts, the participants will engage in a roundtable discussion about their research topics, guided by Asser Institute researchers. During the roundtable session, the participating doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers have the option to give individual 15-minute formal presentations on their research. 

Participation in the workshop is extended to approximately 10 doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers who are currently conducting research in arms control, whether from legal, historical, political or theoretical perspectives. Please email Alexandra Pinto Damas (A.Damas@asser.nl) to apply for the event by 20 March 2024, including your position, university affiliation and area of research. Participants wishing to present their research should additionally submit a short abstract on their presentation topic by email before 10 April 2024. Acceptance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance is in-person. 

Timeline

Travel grants
Students that may require a travel grant to participate should contact Alexandra Pinto Damas before 20 March.

The Asser Institute doctoral seminar series on international arms control law
The Asser Institute doctoral seminar series on international arms control law is an initiative of the Arms Control Law Hub and provides a select number of early career researchers with insights into the current and future issues raised by arms control with perspectives from international law and related disciplines. At each seminar, academics and practitioners deliver several expert lectures on international arms control regimes, institutional and procedural frameworks for control and disarmament, international political perspectives, as well as emerging issues and trends. Additionally, the seminar provides an opportunity for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to discuss their research in the field of Arms Control to foster interdisciplinary exchange among peers in a low-stakes environment.