The study analyses the adaptation of certain arms control agreements to the post-cold war environment. It focuses on the impact of political, military and technological changes, namely the break-up of the Soviet Union, the 1991 Gulf war and the increased proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

On the basis of comparative case studies the study brings to light how successful treaty readaptations ensure the effective maintenance of treaty regimes. It also clearly illustrates that such adaptations have become today the most important activity in the arms control arena