Under the current Council Decision, FRS will publish a series of Research Papers on the various aspects of the Code, as well as short Issue Briefs to highlight specific thematic and regional issues, and a major technical study. To find out more, go to our Project Activities
This article evaluates the opportunities associated with The Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) for India. HCoC is a stand-alone agreement against ballistic missile proliferation. Since the 1974 Pokharan nuclear tests it has been tricky for India to get into the non-proliferation mainstream.
Concerns about the harm caused upon orbiting space objects – whether intentional or accidental – have increased in recent years, as well as the emerging awareness that the security and safety of national satellites – of vital importance for modern societies but at the same time so vulnerable – relies on a collective effort. In December 2008 the EU responded to these concerns by adopting a Draft Code of Conduct (EU Draft CoC) for outer space activities.
The Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) against the Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles has been adopted in November 2002, in order to bolster the international effort to reduce and prevent the proliferation of delivery systems which can carry weapons of mass destruction.
With a view to liberalizing access to missile technologies, the MTCR would therefore remain a central instrument, since it would continue to regulate sensitive exports. Admittedly, its final binding effects could, in the short term, be further attenuated, turning the regime into a forum for harmonization.