Conventional arms transfers: Exporting security or arming adversaries

Technical Report · Thu Mar 19 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:5009006

Klare, M T

This study examines the dichotomy in the U.S. response to conventional and unconventional arms proliferation. With the end of the cold war, however, this has begun to change. While the spread of NBC munitions continues to be seen as an especially significant peril, many policymakers now view conventional arms transfers as a similar problem, with a comparable requirement for international controls. But a consistent policy and strategy has been difficult to develop because of competing pressures and demands: on one hand, there is a pressure to follow through on pledges to establish international controls on conventional arms traffic; on the other, is pressure to preserve long-standing military relationships with friendly foreign governments. The author maintains that the United States cannot pursue both objectives and expect to accomplish its stated policy goals of regional stability in the world where loyalties and alliances are breaking down and in which every nation is scrambling to advance its own national interests. He concludes that in today's uncertain and chaotic world, it is safer to view most arms transfers as a potential proliferation risk rather than as an assured asset for U.S. national security.

• Research Organization: Army War Coll., Carlisle Barracks, PA (United States). Strategic Studies Inst.
• OSTI ID: 5009006
• Report Number(s): AD-A-249956/4/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
USA
NATIONAL SECURITY
WEAPONS
PROLIFERATION
TRADE
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AGENTS
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS
CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
MILITARY STRATEGY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
NORTH AMERICA
SECURITY
WARFARE
350200* - Arms Control- Proliferation- (1987-)