Scott A. Jones

Current and Future Challenges for Asian Nonproliferation Export Controls: a Regional Response Scott A. Jones

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (Wmd) and advanced conventional arms remains one of the gravest threats to the security of the international community. Countries of concern continue to pursue Wmd by purchasing related technologies and components from foreign suppliers. Export controls represent one of the key elements of a comprehensive nonproliferation strategy. They include procedures adopted by countries to regulate and monitor trade in weaponry and weapons-related (dualuse) technologies. However, the effectiveness of export control as a tool for limiting the spread of sensitive technologies and weaponry has been compromised by globalization and a complex array of international developments. The distinction between military and commercial products, for example, has become less clear. Therefore, it is likely that export control policies and institutions need to be continually adjusted if they are to serve international security objectives.