La maîtrise des armements conventionnels est un outil essentiel de la sécurité collective en Europe, de l'Atlantique à l'Oural. Hérité de la guerre froide, ce système date et semble désormais contesté faute d'évolutions, et ce, malgré les preuves passées de son efficacité. Le renouvellement des armements conventionnels et le conflit d'août 2008 en Géorgie viennent en rappeler la pertinence. L'auteur défend sa nécessaire modernisation.

European security and conventional arms control

Conventional arms control is critical to security in Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals. Conceived during the Cold War, the system is now being criticised for its lack of ability to change with the times, despite having proved its effectiveness in the past. Widespread renewal of conventional weapons and the conflict in Georgia in August 2008 serve to remind us of its continuing pertinence. The author sees modernisation of the system as essential.