Multilateral Cooperation on Nonproliferation
Abstract
Global efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have given rise to international regimes that cover nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, respectively. These regimes each have at their core a global treaty: the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Over time, a number of other initiatives have sprung up alongside these treaties. Yet, while a tremendous amount of cooperative activity takes place beyond the core nonproliferation treaties, there is very little research dedicated to a comparative analysis of these efforts. This project addresses this gap in our knowledge by providing the first systematic comparative analysis of cooperative nonproliferation activities beyond the core treaties. It has two goals: to identify sources of cooperative nonproliferation activities and to assess the effectiveness of such endeavors. The study utilizes the comparative case study method. Subject matter experts (SMEs) were recruited to write analyses of specific programs or sets of activities involving international cooperation on WMD nonproliferation. The goal was to be as comprehensive as possible in the coverage of cooperative nonproliferation activities, while still operating within the constraints of the project budget and the availability of appropriate SMEs. The PI developed a starting analytical framework that was provided ahead of time to the SMEs to guide their research and analysis. The participants then came together for a one-day workshop, held in Monterey, CA, on March 30, 2012. About 20 people participated in the invitation-only workshop. The researchers presented their initial findings and received feedback from designated discussants who had been recruited to comment on the papers. Researchers also received feedback from the other project participants and invited attendees of the workshop. They then revised their papers into final products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA569925
Entities
People
- Jeffrey W. Knopf
Organizations
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey