4. Enhancing Transparency: Information Exchange and Confidence Building Measures
When it was negotiated, the BWC lacked mechanisms for verifying that its members were complying with the prohibition on biological weapons. Recognizing this weakness, the Second Review Conference in 1986 created a system of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) by which members would exchange information about their previous and current bioweapons-related activities in order to increase confidence in their compliance with the BWC. However, deficiencies in the CBM process have undermined its effectiveness. For instance, 60 percent of the States Parties have never submitted complete CBMs, and only 8 countries (including the United States) have complied every year. Furthermore, CBM submissions often contain irrelevant and outdated information, or prove difficult for all members to access.
Meanwhile, rapid advances in science and technology continue to open up new biological weapons possibilities. The CBM process, which has not been updated since 1991, has not kept pace with these changes. Moreover, biodefense activities, many of which can have both offensive and defensive applications, are becoming more robust and secretive. Thus, consensus is growing that the CBM process must be improved in terms of both content and participation. A number of proposals exist, and many States Parties would like the Review Conference to agree to take further action on this issue over the next five years. However, given continued resistance by the United States and other nations to efforts that would further enhance transparency and accountability among member states, it remains unclear whether significant agreement will be achievable.
1. Taking Effective Action: A New Work Program
2. Enabling Effective Action: A Stronger Support Mechanism
3. Fulfilling Obligations: National Implementation
4. Enhancing Transparency: Information Exchange and Confidence Building Measures
5. Resolving tensions: The relationship between non-proliferation and peaceful cooperation
6. Addressing Scientific and Technological Advance