from International Institutions and Global Governance Program

The Proliferation Security Initiative

Lessons for Using Nonbinding Agreements

July 20, 2011

Report

More on:

Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament

International Organizations

Treaties and Agreements

Overview

The ongoing nuclear crises in Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the threat of terrorist groups using weapons of mass destruction demonstrate the nuclear nonproliferation regime's difficulty in dealing with noncompliance and preventing the illicit use of dual-use materials. To address these weaknesses, the United States established the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) as an innovative and effective approach to interdict the shipment of WMD parts and materials for illicit purposes. In this Working Paper from the International Institutions and Global Governance program, Emma L. Belcher recommends strengthening the PSI and adopting its model for other agreements in order to advance U.S. interests in preventing proliferation and provide a useful framework to mobilize international action on important global issues.

More on:

Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament

International Organizations

Treaties and Agreements

Top Stories on CFR

Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto was named the winner of the Indonesian presidential election. But it is unclear which version of Prabowo—the more moderate candidate from the campaign trail or the self-styled strongman—will govern Indonesia.

Russia

The mass casualty theater attack in Moscow was a reminder that affiliates of the Islamic State have reorganized and infiltrated even powerful states.

India

With India's development continuing to gain steam, one of the biggest challenges will be to avoid the mistake that others have made when they failed to recognize their newly acquired global systemic influence and adapt accordingly. Both China and Big Tech show that it is never too early to start managing one's own rise.