The Washington and London naval treaty systems illustrate how weakness can produce fear, suspicion, and pressure to evade restrictions. A settlement that makes populations feel cornered can create political openings for leaders who promise restored strength. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks followed a different approach, seeking limits without persuading the superpowers that they had become defenceless. An equitable treaty therefore means more than numerical equality: participants must retain enough security to prefer compliance over escape.
Notable Point · 3:43:11-3:48:36
Treaties need security as well as limits
Arms-control agreements endure better when states feel secure and fairly treated rather than merely weakened.