Pugwash in the Middle East: The Syria File

The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, a network of eminent scientists and policy-makers, entered the post-Cold War era with renown enthusiasm. Its traditional US-Soviet arms control agenda was transformed into a more global one, as Pugwash was steered toward conflict resolution in explosive regions in the Middle East and South Asia. Through a series of private consultations, a set of dialogues was opened in countries in which the proliferation of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction could exacerbate underlying conflicts and risks. The Pugwash Syria file exemplifies the added value the organization brings to facilitating engagement between antagonistic political forces. During the Syrian Civil War, Pugwash experts played a role in bringing about the elimination of Syria’s declared stockpiles of chemical weapons in 2013–2014. Pugwash also facilitated discussions on the promotion of local ceasefires in Syria. The Pugwash modus operandi, its achievements and its expertise in networks, gives it a unique role in creating dialogue across political divides for the purposes of disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.