What is the primary focus of the Wassenaar Arrangement?

The Wassenaar Arrangement primarily focuses on the import and export controls for dual-use goods and technologies, which refers to items that can have both civilian and military applications. Established to promote transparency and greater responsibility in international arms transfers, the arrangement aims to prevent the destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms and to control technologies that could contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. By doing so, the Wassenaar Arrangement facilitates international cooperation and mutual security among participating countries.

This focus is crucial for global security, as it helps to ensure that sensitive technologies and materials are not misused or fall into the hands of intended users who may utilize them for military purposes against international norms. The collective agreement among member countries underlines the importance of monitoring the flow of these dual-use items, which helps maintain peace and stability in the international order.