James Russell's Strategic Insights

James Russell’s Strategic Insights article addressed a few of the resources the United States uses towards WMD counter-proliferation efforts however a number were not highlighted. Counter-proliferation of WMD is nothing new; however the methods the U.S. has employed have changed and improved over the past 25 years. Initial counter-proliferation efforts by the U.S. began in 1970 with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) which “covers three mutually reinforcing pillars—disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.” [1] The U.S. continued in its efforts to limit proliferation of biological weapons by signing the Biological Weapons Convention of 1975. In 1993, President Clinton addressed the United Nations General …show more content…
[2] The directive required the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a new approach to addressing U.S. concerns over “loose nukes” from former Soviet states. [2] In an effort to stem the flow of chemical weapons, technology, and knowledge the U.S. signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997. However from 2001 to 2009, the Bush administration lessened the importance on treaties and regime approaches; instead opting for proactive, “efforts to deter and defend against WMD and missile threats.” [3] In 2003, the National Strategy to Combat WMD was signed by President Bush; which established three pillars: counter-proliferation, non-proliferation, and WMD consequence management. [4] On 21 November 2005, the National Counter-proliferation Center (NCPC) was founded to address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons proliferation threats. [5] Russell’s article highlights the need for an adaptable counter-proliferation strategy to address emerging threats from globalization, advancements in technology, and the rise of intra-state insurgencies to name a few. [6] The Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security established the Bureau of International Security and Non-proliferation (ISN), which the Office of Counter-proliferation Initiatives (CPI) falls …show more content…
U.S. State Department, “Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,” http://www.state.gov/t/isn/npt/, accessed on 18 October 2015.

2. James Russell, “WMD Proliferation, Globalization, and International Security: Whither the Nexus and National Security? Vol. V, Issue 6,” https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/ attachment/299291/Forums/519e2bb8-94f4-48bc-9c57-53a70e59f857/WMDrussellJul06-1.pdf, July 2006, accessed on 18 October 2015.

3. The White House, Arms Control Association, “National Strategy to Combat WMD,” http://www.armscontrol.org/print/1184, 1 January 2003, accessed on 19 October 2015.

4. The White House, “National Strategy to Combat