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Treaty legalization, security interests, and ratification of multilateral disarmament treaties

Author

Listed:
  • Michal Onderco

    (6984Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Valerio Vignoli

    (9300University of Florence, Italy)

Abstract

Multilateral treaties are essential for the effectiveness of global disarmament efforts. Ratification delays have deep repercussions on international cooperation for disarmament. Yet what determines their duration? In this paper, we offer the first comprehensive study of multilateral disarmament treaty ratification, covering the period between 1976 and 2020. We test the effects of treaty legalization and a country's security situation on the ratification duration. States are slower to join treaties with a high degree of obligation, but faster to join treaties with high degrees of precision and delegation. Engagement in inter-state rivalries slows down ratification. In contrast, we find only statistically weak evidence that alliance embeddedness accelerates it.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Onderco & Valerio Vignoli, 2025. "Treaty legalization, security interests, and ratification of multilateral disarmament treaties," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 42(3), pages 223-244, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:42:y:2025:i:3:p:223-244
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942241243259
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    References listed on IDEAS

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