Preventing spread of chemical weapons in an era of rapid technological change

Abstract Science and technology are evolving at a remarkable pace, providing innovative solutions to global challenges. Developments are improving healthcare, driving sustainability, and enhancing quality of life, while playing a critical role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. But this rapid progress also brings new complexities, particularly for science-based disarmament treaties. How can we ensure these agreements remain robust in this rapidly evolving scientific landscape? Using the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as an example, Sarah Clapham and Peter Hotchkiss from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) explore this question, describing the mechanisms in place to effectively monitor and assess progress in science and technology while highlighting select relevant advances.