A Comprehensive Test-Ban Verification Regime: Implications of Cooperative Measures in INF and START

Abstract

The verification procedures contained within the INF Treaty have important implications for the relationship between the superpowers, setting as they do the scene for future arms control measures. This paper examines the extent to which INF verification measures can be built on in the negotiation of a START treaty and in the Nuclear Test Ban negotiations. Successful negotiation of a START verification package, especially one capable of addressing the question of mobile missiles (SS-25, SS-24, Midgetman and long-range sea launched cruise missiles), will involve extensive collaboration between the USA and the USSR. I will argue that the kinds of co-operative measure which would have to be involved in a viable START treaty could in turn set the scene, if coupled with judicious use of confidence-building measures, for an effectively verifiable Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.