United States. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency

The United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, usually known as ACDA, was established in 1961 after President John F. Kennedy signed the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. It was set up as an independent agency so the United States would have a dedicated institution focused on reducing the dangers posed by nuclear and other major weapons while keeping arms control closely tied to national security policy.

ACDA supported research, helped develop policy, and managed U.S. participation in international arms control and disarmament negotiations. Its records and historical materials connect the agency to major Cold War issues, including nuclear test ban talks and wider nonproliferation efforts, showing how central it was to some of the era’s most important diplomatic work.

The agency remained active until 1999, when its functions were transferred to the Department of State. Even after its closure, ACDA is still remembered as a distinctive part of the U.S. foreign policy system: an agency built specifically to bring arms control expertise into government decision-making at the highest level.