Despite obvious progress at the conceptual level, the results have been meagre in practical terms. It must be noted that, in the 40 years since the establishment of the United Nations, no weapon has been destroyed by virtue of a disarmament agreement; the arms race and in particular the nuclear arms race has continued unabated, and world military expenditures have increased considerably. After 1978, the situation evolved in a way contrary to the conclusions and documents adopted at the first special session devoted to disarmament and contrary to the legitimate aspirations of peoples. The arms race continues at an ever more frenetic pace, mi~itary expenditures have reached unbelievable levels, efforts to develop and produce new types and systems of weapons, including nuclear weapons with an increasingly destructive capacity, have been redoubled, and attempts are being made to militarize outer space. Moreover, the situation in Europe has deteriorated, particularly as a result of the deployment by the United States of America of medium-range missiles in certain Western countries and the Soviet Union's nuclear countermeasures. In recent years the policy of the maintenance and further division of zones of influence and spheres of domination, as well as the policy of force and of the threat of the use of force have intensified. Old conflicts between States have become aggravated and new conflicts have emerged. These are all.factors that reveal the seriousness of the arms race we are witnessing. Even if recent developments constitute a glimmer of hope, the international situation remains particularly serious and complex. The danger of another world war which would inevitably become a nuclear catastrophe is always present. Never in the long course of the history of mankind has a threat of this nature been posed to the survival of civilization, to the life and freedom of peoples. MLG/jcl A/C.l/40/PV.5 54-55 (Mr. Marinescu, Romania) 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the failure of disarmament agreements and the continued arms race, highlighting the escalating military expenditures, development of new weapons, and militarization of outer space. It also touches on the deterioration of the situation in Europe and the threat of a new world war. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting that the text is from a United Nations document. Given the focus on international relations, security, and disarmament, it is likely that the text belongs to a category related to international affairs.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief