The reduction or elimination of military forces and weapons, especially as part of international agreements. The process of giving up arms or reducing military capabilities.
From French 'désarmement,' formed from 'des-' (un-) and 'armement' (armament), entering English in the 19th century during early peace movement discussions. The concept gained prominence after World War I with the Washington Naval Conference.
The first major international disarmament conference was held in The Hague in 1899, yet it occurred just before the most devastating wars in human history. Paradoxically, some of the most effective disarmament has happened through economic collapse rather than negotiation, as seen with the Soviet Union's nuclear reduction after 1991.
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