Disarmament or Disregard?

The UN's Dangerous Game of Silencing Voices and 'Poking the Bear'

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs was unable to attend the UN Conference on Disarmament earlier this month due to increasing EU restrictions on Russian air travel. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov spoke in his place, emphasizing the conference's goal of improving global security, particularly in relation to weapons of mass destruction. Given the contentious geopolitical climate, it raises questions as to why a key country was prevented from participating in this important international discussion. While this is not an outright accusation, it is worth considering whether certain EU members may have ulterior motives.

During his speech, Ryabkov accused the US and NATO allies of striving for global military dominance, and thus currently posing the most significant threat to global security. He expressed deep mistrust towards the West and denounced the United States for aiding Ukraine in attempted attacks on Russian nuclear facilities, which he cited as one of the key reasons for the suspension of the START treaty. These developments have resulted in a serious escalation of global tensions. Given the looming specter of a Third World War, diplomatic interaction between nations seems more important than ever. As the saying goes “Mutual trust is the first principle of good business,” and it seems the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would agree with that sentiment.

During his speech, Ryabkov accused the US and NATO allies of striving for global military dominance, which he argued currently posed the most significant threat to global security. He expressed deep mistrust towards the West and denounced the United States for aiding Ukraine in attempted attacks on Russian nuclear facilities, which he cited as one of the key reasons for the suspension of the START treaty. These developments have led to a serious escalation of global tensions, and given the looming specter of a Third World War, diplomatic communication between nations seems more important than ever. As the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes, mutual trust is crucial for building a foundation of productive diplomatic discussions, as it is for most discussions in general.

The lynchpin of Ryabkov's statement came as a grave warning to the United States about nuclear testing, as they are one of 8 countries that have not yet ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. Ryabkov cautioned the United States against the "dangerous illusion" that they could resume nuclear testing without facing a severe response. The implications of this statement are deeply unsettling, especially given the powerlessness of those that stand to bear such potentially devastating consequences. It seems reckless and emotionally charged to exclude the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Conference on Disarmament during a time when the world is universally preparing for an armed conflict.

While disarmament may seem like a reasonable justification for the United Nations' existence, recent events have exposed the limitations and inherent flaws of international law. The recent UN walkouts, where attendees left before Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a chance to speak, serve as another example of how the United Nations can be used as a platform for suppressing inconvenient perspectives. This lack of diplomacy and disregard for other nations' interests is a dangerous path that will likely lead to global conflict if not corrected. As participants of the walkout posed for photo-ops with a Ukrainian flag, US Ambassador Sheba Crocker made the comment, “As each day passes it is clear that Russia is isolated and has no one but itself to blame for the situation it now finds itself in.” Such delusional diplomats would do well to remember some age-old advice: 'Don't poke the bear'.

-The Shultz Report by M. Shultz