Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine has in many respects set back post-Cold War improved relations between Russia, the United States, and Europe. The continued war in Syria threatens the security and stability of many countries in the Middle East and attacks by ISIS and other terrorist organizations are causing increased fear and instability in Iraq and in neighbouring countries. In many areas negotiations on disarmament and arms control are at a standstill. In Disarmament under International Law, John Kierulf examines and discusses how disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction are regulated in existing treaties and conventions. From his perspective as a former disarmament negotiator, Kierulf explains the United Nations’ disarmament machinery and procedures, and describes the UN’s essential role in promoting disarmament. Underlining the continued and serious threat posed by nuclear weapons, Kierulf appeals for increased and effective international efforts to reduce their number and ultimately eliminate them. Presenting information and analysis on a comprehensive range of issues, Disarmament under International Law is an essential guide for anyone interested in gaining knowledge about the current state of international security.

John Kierulf is a retired diplomat with Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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“This excellent book is a call for political action in order to start serious global negotiations to abolish nuclear weapons, thus preventing a nuclear catastrophe because of miscalculation or accidental use. This is a timely volume, considering that the nuclear weapon states are modernizing their nuclear arsenals, and there has been no progress in US-Russia nuclear arms control talks since the 2010 New START Treaty. This book is an indispensable source for scholars, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations working to advance America’s long-term commitment—announced in President Obama’s April 2009 Prague speech—to achieve the global abolition of nuclear weapons. This invaluable pedagogical tool is highly recommended for upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses in international organizations and international law.” CHOICE

"… a timely and thorough description of the international legal architecture on disarmament, arms control, and the nonproliferation of conventional and unconventional weapons. The book is an important contribution to the recent and current history of inte

“In this up-to-date and accessible guide, Kierulf succinctly describes the development and implementation of and compliance with major international disarmament and arms control instruments, institutions, and legal norms. Kierulf’s volume is an excellent introduction to the “disarmament machinery” that was created to negotiate new instruments on weapons with adverse security and humanitarian impacts. The author bemoans the lack of progress toward new arms control and disarmament agreements and the erosion of some existing ones. He embeds each section with brief, practical commentary reflecting his experience as a policy practitioner. Disarmament Under International Law is an essential reference tool to navigate the world of international arms control.” Daryl G. Kimball, Arms Control Today

« Disarmament Under International Law offre un efficace premier abord au droit international du désarmement. Kierulf relève le défi de rendre accessible à un large public une branche du droit international pourtant hautement technique. La forme claire aux chapitres judicieusement divisés épouse l’objectif inhérent de l’ouvrage : éveiller la conscience populaire envers les dangers des ADM. L’épilogue particulièrement poignant parvient à se détacher de l’exposé technique pour nous expliquer un enjeu profondément humain. Au-delà du plaidoyer juridique, Disarmament Under International Law est un appel à la moralité humaine. » Revue québécoise de droit international

"This book fills a crucial niche in the literature by covering, in an accessible manner, the principal disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation agreements, and by providing useful recommendations for further development of the international legal framework in these areas. John Kierulf has done a great service in writing this book, which should make for educational and accessible reading for new diplomats, high school and college students, the media, and for the world's citizens who continue to live under the shadow of more than 15,000 nuclear weapons." International Journal