This edited volume explores the relationship between the accelerating process of globalization and the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, which is increasingly seen as the pre-eminent threat to international security. The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction has traditionally been seen as a function of the 'security dilemma' in the state-based international system. But the advent of the nuclear supply network pieced together by the Pakistani scientist A. Q. Khan represented a departure from this model, involving a variety of organizations not directly connected to a state. This volume assembles an international group of experts in order to assess the relationship between proliferation and globalization to ascertain how contemporary communication, transportation and financial networks are facilitating or constraining trade in dangerous contraband. The book ultimately seeks to determine whether globalization is fundamentally altering the nature of the proliferation problem, particularly the threat that Weapons of Mass Destruction might fall into the hands of terrorists. This book will be of much interest to students of nuclear proliferation, international security, terrorism and IR in general.

The list of countries possessing or building weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs is growing, indicating that the traditional non- proliferation regimes of the Cold War era may have slowed but could not prevent the proliferation of WMD. The worldwide diffusion of information, globalization, advances in science and technology, and changes in the distribution of world power are creating powerful inducements and opportunities for states to proliferate, and devaluing traditional non-proliferation measures. Nuclear testing by India and Pakistan in May 1998 was not simply a non-proliferation policy failure. Rather, it was the predictable outcome of complex world change and porous non-proliferation regimes. Future non-proliferation efforts must target "demand", the inducements and political will to proliferate, more so than "supply", and must focus at the regional level. In a world of continuing proliferation, greater resources should be applied toward counter- proliferation.

"Building international partnerships is a central element of U.S. strategy to combat weapons of mass destruction (WMD). U.S. policy recognizes that the proliferation problem is far too large, complex, and important for any one nation to tackle alone. Meaningful and sustained progress in combating WMD requires active collaboration among all states that have a stake in managing the problem and the will and capacity to contribute. Current policies build on a foundation of global cooperation that dates back decades, even as they reflect significant changes in emphasis to adapt to contemporary proliferation challenges."--P. 1.

This book looks specifically at a number of topics that deal with the changing nature of the state in the era of globalization, and the impact of this transformation on global security and stability. Each topic is also represented by a diagram assessing and illustrating the linkages between the challenges currently facing states and recommendations for ways in which the state can move forward. This book may serve as a reference guide for practitioners, students, and academic institutions that work to provide solutions to contemporary conflicts and security threats. Topics addressed include the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, arms control, energy security, natural disasters, the changing role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), health paradigms, and US environmental policy. The collection of policy briefs provides a valuable insight into a number of major issues that affect the future of the international system. The briefs are authored by acknowledged experts and brought together in a format that provides for a succinct overview of the challenges faced as a result of rapidly increasing globalization.

2 volumes, sold as a set. Edited by Richard L. Kugler and Ellen L. Frost. Discusses the phenomenon called globalization, the international interaction of information, financial capital, commerce, technology, and labor. V. 1 examines globalization's impact on world affairs and the task of forging responsive policies and strategies. V. 2 provides additional in-depth analyses of global and regional trends, and of policies for dealing with them.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks prompted a new urgency in efforts to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear proliferati on. The potential acquisition and use by terrorist groups of such weaponry was suddenly a much increased threat. The G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction subsequently encouraged some twenty-two countries and the European Union to pledge up to $20 billion to address this challenge. The creation of the Global Partnership was the first time so many countries agreed to collaborate on a range of non-proliferation, security and nuclear safety programmes, as well as commit such an amount of resources to them. Based on extensive primary research, this Whitehall Paper assesses the success and shortcomings to date of the Global Partnership, and suggests how the mechanism can be bolstered and taken forward.