One year ago today, President Trump announced the United States would “unsign” the Arms Trade Treaty. While this anniversary will likely be missed by a country and world grappling with COVID-19, it is worth reflecting on the impact of this political move. As the official consultant to the ATT process during more than five years of negotiations and conferences, I have worked with governments, civil society organizations, and industry on effective treaty implementation since the ATT was adopted and entered into force. I have also seen first-hand the impacts of the U.S. decision to “unsign,” both symbolic and pragmatic.

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