Workshop Abstract-Dr.Tara

Abstract

THE ROLE OF SMALL STATES IN CBM PROCESS

TARA BARAL*

1. It is commonly believed that Confidence- Building Measures (CBMs) have a role to play in almost every situation where two or more parties are at loggerheads with each others. The genesis of CBMS, a phenomenon understood as a certain set of actions, procedures and mechanism prevent armed conflicts in relations between states, is connected with the military aspects of these relations. In time, this concept gradually had been applied to other aspects. This is a preventive diplomacy.

2. CBMs are more relevant in South Asia. So, they can become the harbingers of peace and stability in the region. With the overt nuclearization of India and Pakistan comprehensive CBMs are more urgent in South Asia. They can prevent, limit and terminate inadvertent war. By improving the atmospheres, as for example, by providing transparency in military activities and by serving as a channel for mutual consultations, CBMs lessen tensions.

3. Peace cannot be obtained through military confrontation. It must be sought through a tireless process of negotiation, rapprochement, and normalization, with the goal of removing mutual suspicious and fear. Therefore, the direction of CBMs should promote our security in common. As a peace loving state, Nepal has clear perceptions that war should not be considered a rational instrument of statecraft. All nations - rich and poor, powerful and weak peaceful and bellicose are united in their vulnerability to nuclear attack and to the effect of nuclear war. "There will be no winner in a nuclear war". In the nuclear age, therefore, nations can no longer hope to protect their citizens through unilateral military measures.

4. No nation can base its security on the insecurity of others. True security requires a cooperative effort, a partnership in the struggle against war, which can only be established through dialogue and reconciliation. The roots of conflicts and insecurity include poverty, economic disparities within nations and between them. Unless problems of social and economic underdevelopment are addressed, common security can never be truly attained in South Asia.

5. South Asia region is embarked on a dual process of confidence building and regional dialogues. Both are needed to change the situation of imminent conflict and endemic poverty. There are more than forty dialogue channels currently operating in South Asia. These are the positive initiatives for the CBMS in South Asia. They may not reduce the conflict completely but can find new ways to cooperate.

1. *Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Tribuvan University, Katmandu, Nepal.

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