But the idea had taken hold that greater transparency in armaments would enhance confidence, promote stability, help States to exercise restraint, ease tensions and strengthen regional and international peace and security. Increased openness could contribute to confidence building among States by reducing the risk of political-military misperceptions and miscalculations about the intention of States.

After the United Nations was founded, the Cold War prevented progress in military transparency. But the flaring up of conflict in the late 1980s reignited widespread concern about the excessive build-ups of weaponry. In 1991, the General Assembly established a Register of Conventional Arms and called upon all Member States to provide annually data on their arms transfers as well as background information on military holdings and domestic arms purchases.

An excessive build-up of weapons may lead to tension and insecurity among countries. Best example: how the First World War was fueled by a massive production of and uncontrolled trade in offensive weapons systems. The League of Nations thus developed a system of collecting and disseminating data on military matters in support of arms limitations efforts. In 1924, the League launched its first Armament Yearbook. The demise of the League stopped this practice.

But the idea had taken hold that greater transparency in armaments would enhance confidence, promote stability, help States to exercise restraint, ease tensions and strengthen regional and international peace and security. Increased openness could contribute to confidence building among States by reducing the risk of political-military misperceptions and miscalculations about the intention of States.

After the United Nations was founded, the Cold War prevented progress in military transparency. But the flaring up of conflict in the late 1980s reignited widespread concern about the excessive build-ups of weaponry. In 1991, the General Assembly established a Register of Conventional Arms and called upon all Member States to provide annually data on their arms transfers as well as background information on military holdings and domestic arms purchases.