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Why is it that certain weapons, like poisonous gasses, are banned from use in warfare by the Geneva convention, yet countries and governments can still use them against their own population, such a…

Mark Sterling
Mark Sterling
Research Editor · Mar 1, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

Geneva convention is largely a gentlemen agreement. No one wants their soldiers getting gassed or having to patch up wounds from hollow points. Its easier to just say no one gets chemical weapons and fight with conventional weapons, then it is to say "there are no rules" and everyone have them.

94
Words

1 min
Read Time

#140
of 500 in Science

+31%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

Geneva convention is largely a gentlemen agreement. No one wants their soldiers getting gassed or having to patch up wounds from hollow points. Its easier to just say no one gets chemical weapons and fight with conventional weapons, then it is to say "there are no rules" and everyone have them. Its already illegal for citizens to use tear gas on cops, so there is no objective reason to outlaw it for law enforcement. The question of its something is humane or not doesnt really tend to stand in the way of most governments.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Weapons, geneva, convention

This explanation focuses on weapons, geneva, convention and spans 94 words across 5 sentences. At 31% above the average Science explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “Geneva convention is largely a gentlemen agreement.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.

How This Compares in Science

Ranked #140 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 29%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why it that certain weapons, like poisonous gasses, are banned from use in warfare by the geneva convention, yet countries and governments can still use them against their own population, such as tear gas to control riots?

Geneva convention is largely a gentlemen agreement. No one wants their soldiers getting gassed or having to patch up wounds from hollow points. Its easier to just say no one gets chemical weapons and fight with conventional weapons, then it is to…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?

This is an above-average answer at 94 words, ranked #140 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are weapons, geneva, convention.

What approach does this answer take to explain it that certain weapons, like poisonous gasses, are banned f?

The explanation uses root cause analysis across 94 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.