Yes, tear gas (riot control agents) is banned for use in warfare under the international Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) (1993) but is explicitly permitted for domestic law enforcement and riot control purposes, a compromise that remains controversial. While the Geneva Protocol (1925) also prohibited its use in war, the CWC solidified the ban on military combat, creating a distinction between warfare and domestic policing. Key Points: Banned in Warfare: The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) prohibits the use of riot control agents like tear gas as a method of warfare between nations. Permitted in Law Enforcement: The CWC allows for the use of tear gas for domestic law enforcement, including riot control, creating a loophole that many countries utilize. Historical Context: Tear gas was initially developed for military use and saw deployment in conflicts like the Vietnam War, but international treaties later banned it from combat scenarios. Ongoing Debate: Critics argue that the distinction between warfare and policing is arbitrary, as tear gas is often used indiscriminately and can cause significant harm, making its use in domestic situations ethically questionable.