Calling All Actors: A Holistic Framework for Tackling Supply-Side Proliferation

• Main Authors: Christopher Hobbs, Elisabeth Young
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute for Nuclear Security 2015-07-01
• Series: International Journal of Nuclear Security
• Subjects: nonproliferation; A.Q. Khan; nuclear proliferation; supply-side controls; nuclear weapons; PIN framework; export control; non-proliferation treaty; NPT; Nuclear Suppliers Group; NSG; procurement strategies
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.7290/V700001P

This article proposes a new holistic framework for tackling supply-side proliferation, based on a mix of punishments, incentives, and new normative standards (PIN) that could be taken by industry. After outlining a brief history of illicit nuclear trade, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated strategies adopted by proliferators, we explore in detail the PIN framework. We argue that to meet this challenge, industry must adopt behavior that goes beyond compliance with current regulations, particularly in the area of due diligence and information sharing.