The Proliferation Security Initiative: Cornerstone of a New International Norm
Abstract
Chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, along with ballistic missile technology, are the means by which "small groups could attain a catastrophic power to strike great nations." Preventing terrorists from obtaining such weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has inspired a dramatic shift in U.S. strategy, from deterrence to preemption: "We must take the battle to the enemy, disrupt his plans and confront the worst threats before they emerge." The legal hurdles in the path of a preemptive strategy, however, were revealed by the So San incident of December 2002. In late 2002 U.S. intelligence had collected evidence of money transfers from Yemen to North Korea. Satellite footage showed Scud fuel oxidizer being loaded into shipping containers. Analysts narrowed identification of the merchant vessel carrying the Scuds themselves to one of "three likely ships," including the North Korean-flagged So San. That vessel was pinpointed because of two actions that might seem innocuous in themselves but were suspicious if taken together. First, it zigzagged; merchant vessels ordinarily follow a steady course on the rhumb line, the shortest track between two points on the globe. Second, the crew of So San lowered and raised the vessel's flag; this is unusual, because the national ensign must be displayed continuously while under way.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA519739
Entities
People
- Joel A. Doolin
Organizations
- Naval War College