By Mark Fitzpatrick, Senior Fellow for Non-Proliferation
Defense & Security Analysis Vol 24 no 1, March 2008
Non-Proliferation and Counter-Proliferation: What is the Difference?
March 2008: Defense & Security Analysis
Counter-proliferation is often, and mistakenly, seen as synonymous with military efforts to control weapons proliferation. The original concept was broader and more nuanced. The aim of non-proliferation aim of non-proliferation is to stop the spread of dangerous weapons while counter-proliferation is for when prevention fails. Both non-proliferation and counter-proliferation purposes are served by many of same new tools, including the Proliferation Security Initiative, the universal requirements of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, financial controls and coordinated intelligence operations.
