With the Benefit of Hindsight: Why the Libyan Disarmament Deal Was a Success

Libya’s December 19, 2003 announcement that it would voluntarily give up its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program was the culmination of several years of negotiations between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Libya. Many observers have heralded the Libyan disarmament deal as a success and a model for other countries to follow. While the mere announcement of the Libyan disarmament deal was a stunning nonproliferation success, what is remarkable about the Libyan case is that Libya has transparently and expeditiously followed through on its promises to disarm and has received significant benefits in return.