The International Legal Ramifications of United States Counter-Proliferation Strategy: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This paper explores the international legal ramifications of one suggested supplemental strategy: counter-proliferation. This study posits a three-part thesis. First, after an analysis of the current tenets of international law, the study argues that a unilateral U.S. application of an aggressive counter-proliferation strategy is inconsistent with current norms of international law. Second, despite this inconsistency, policy makers in the United States should not abandon the counter-proliferation strategy, because an occasion may arise when the United States will be unable to tolerate the imminent development of a nuclear weapon by an adversary with goals adverse to the vital interests of this nation. Third, however, the study contends that U.S. policy makers should not attempt to mold international law through diplomacy so that counter-proliferation becomes normatively acceptable throughout the international community.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA529810

Entities

People

  • Frank G. Goldman

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Economic Sanctions
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Bombs
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Recreation
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Weapons Effects

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  • Strategic Security Studies