As defined earlier, the arms control process is intended to serve as a means of enhancing a state's national security. Arms control is one of a number of approaches a nation has available for achieving this goal. arms control could even lead states to agree to increases in certain categories of armaments if such increases wold contribute to crisis stability and thereby reduce the chance of war. This concept of arms control should be distinguished from that of general and complete disarmament (Rattray 8).

In examining the Cold War era, Waller says that in terms of arms control, the era started "boldly and badly, but it finished well" (Waller 99). Many believe that the disso

As we approach the next millennium, however, we must be aware that the demands placed on this instrument have expanded beyond improving security, saving money, and reducing damage in war. Some experts believe it can assist in the settlement of traditional quarrels as well a ethnic struggles that have reappeared since the end of the Cold War (McCausland 152).

Achievements in other arms control arenas have demonstrated that nations are willing to endure intrusive inspections in order to achieve a higher level of security. In the next few years, nations will reveal whether they are willing to extend the concept of openness to biological facilities and activities (Chevrier and Smithson 221).