A nonproliferation center refers to an institution that focuses on preventing or restricting the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Synonyms for this term include disarmament center, arms control center, proliferation prevention center, and nonproliferation institute. These centers may be operated by governments, the United Nations, or private organizations devoted to preventing the spread of dangerous weapons. Their work includes tracking arms trafficking, promoting international treaties to limit weapons proliferation, and providing expertise in detecting and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The mission of nonproliferation centers is critical to global security and peacekeeping initiatives.