Of course, ATT is just a regulatory framework and an incredibly positive one, but it does not cut off all arms trade altogether. Some countries might want to bandwagon with China in the ATT to form an alliance with a country that is increasing its arms importing and exporting arms, although within the limits of the treaty.
To prevent a further splintering of the world, we should ratify the ATT treaty, as suggested by Vestner. If we were to enter the treaty, we could prevent China from using it as a diplomatic tool and fight for stronger curbs on conventional weapons. If more powerful states - France and the United Kingdom - join ATT, then we can pressure China to uphold its own treaty commitments.
A strengthening of the ATT treaty would mean a tendency in the direction of multilateral disarmament, arms control, and nonproliferation. Time will tell in the new administration will head in this direction.
Jason Sibert is Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project.
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