This is the fourth annual edition of Civil Society and Disarmament. In the previous editions of this publication, the contents were either articles written by civil society representatives or statements delivered by non-governmental organizations at disarmament forums.

This anthology presents an opportune collection of expert texts from seasoned practitioners in the disarmament capitals of the United Nations system on some of the most dynamic disarmament and arms control processes to date. Such processes inaugurate new internationally recognized norms about transparency in weapons transfers and use, non-use, victim assistance and education for future generations. The cases examined epitomize a new and creative form of diplomacy for this century in which civil society plays a predominantly engaged role along with key champion States. This partnership is essential to mobilize the necessary momentum for action and change. One such process examined is the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the role civil society members had in breathing its life and what role they will have in the implementation phase.

The road to the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty was not only paved with compromises among Member States, but also with the active support and collaboration of many different stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs). As delegates and representatives struggled with the balance between ideals and reality, peace and national interest, as well as dream and deed, so too did global CSOs. As inferred from the words of the poet Antonio Machado, a road is shaped by the trails marked by its travellers. The travellers of the road that led to the adoption of this Treaty included not only the national delegates, but also those who stood as partners in the journey.

Disarmament and non-proliferation education encompasses two critical objectives: to pass on the personal accounts of survivors for the future generation and to provide a factual and critical perspective to both policy practitioners and the general public. While the promotion of disarmament and non-proliferation has enjoyed overall support, these two objectives are not always recognized by either policy practitioners or civil society members involved. Furthermore, effective collaboration between Governments and civil society in this field are also not fully recognized, due, in part, to the presumption that there could be potential conflicts of interest between the two. This article outlines some recent developments in this arena and observes how these two key objectives have been achieved thus far by the synergies produced by both Governments and civil society. It also identifies challenges faced by the disarmament and non-proliferation community regarding compartmentalization and over-specialization of issues and the need to find ways to address cross-cutting issues in this field.

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), adopted by a vote at the United Nations General Assembly on 2 April 2013, is a symbol of twentyfirst century diplomacy. The ATT negotiation and adoption was not the traditional intergovernmental negotiation that exclusively involved government representatives. It also included the active participation of civil society representatives, who played a significant role prior and throughout both ATT diplomatic conferences. This essay reviews, from a Mexican representative’s point of view, the role that civil society played in the negotiation and adoption of the ATT, thus establishing a new standard for diplomatic negotiations at the United Nations.

As educators, campaigners, and advocates for change, civil society organizations (CSOs), including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), play an integral and crucial role in the United Nations disarmament infrastructure. In the politically sensitive and slow-moving field of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, where substantive outcomes can be hard fought and seldom won, the energy and dedication that CSOs bring to their work can help to stimulate debate and move the agenda forward. These organizations keep the spotlight on key and emerging issues, bring new ideas and creative solutions to the table, and, importantly, work to keep Governments honest.