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Global Social Economic Perspective

Global Socioeconomic Perspectives: Is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction inevitable?

Over the last several years, the issue of the proliferation of: weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) has continued to be brought to the forefront. This is because of various fears surrounding terrorists possibly using such weapons, to maximize the psychological effect and total amounts of collateral damage. As a result, there have been a number of different initiatives to limit the spread of such weapons such as: non-proliferation treaties, maintaining moratoriums on testing and destroying chemical / biological weapon stockpiles. However, the number of nations seeking to establish, their own WMD programs increased dramatically. To include: China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Iran just to name a few. This is problematic, because the spread of such weapons increases the chances that conflicts could occur, due to the fact of various nations possessing these weapons. There is also the possibility that some states which are sponsors of terrorism could pass these types material on to terrorist groups (such as: Iran passing materials on to Hezbollah). (Sitaraman, 2009, 48 -- 54) This is problematic, because with various standards in place, the inability to control them could create a whole host of problems in the future. As a result, this leads to the question as to if the proliferations of WMDs is inevitable? To determine this, a literature review will be conducted, looking at various pieces of scholarly information on the topic. Once this is complete, it will provide the necessary insights as to if the proliferation of WMDs is inevitable and what actions can be taken to prevent it.

Annotated Bibliography

Kan, S. (2009). China and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Congressional Research Service. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/crs/rl31555.pdf

In this article, the author discusses the role that China has played in the proliferation of WMD technology. Where, they have found that they are working with the international community to support such agreements. At the same time, they are selling technology to: North Korea, Iran and Pakistan. This complicates efforts to create enforceable sanctions, as their actions show that they are only willing to support the international community up to a point. This is significant, because it shows how China is creating a double standard by supporting some sanctions, while at the same time selling these countries the technology the need. (Kan, 2009)

Krauthammer, Charles. (1991). The Unipolar Movement. Foreign Affairs 71 (1), 23 -- 33

In this article, the author discusses how the world became unipolar after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Where, it talks the biggest threat that will be faced in the future is small states that have weapons of mass destruction. According to the author, the possibility that conflicts could occur, increases when this happens. With the smaller states seeking to increase aggressive action, in areas of influence that conflict with the world powers. At which point, conflicts could occur, which increases the chances that such weapons will be used. This is significant, because it provides a basic motivation, as to why so many smaller states are seeking these weapons. (Krauthammer, 1991, 23 -33)

Campbell, J. (1997). Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism. Terrorism and Political Violence 9 (2), 24 -- 50.

In this article, the author discusses the threat of religious groups and separatists in acquiring / using WMDs. Where, many can be able to acquire and construct such materials that can be purchased on the black market. As a result, this increases the odds that these types of weapons will be used in the future, to create a super terrorist attack. This is significant, because it can be used to corroborate other research on terrorists seeking to acquire and use WMDs. Where, they could be purchased on the black market or one of the state sponsors of terrorism could pass this material to these groups. (Campbell, 1997, 24 -- 50)

Busch, N. (2008). Force, Preemption and WMDs. Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction. (pp. 156 -- 175). Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.

In this piece of literature, the author discusses how there are confusing international standards for dealing with WMD's and how to control them. This is because approaching the problem has been difficult. Where, some nations try to settle the issue through military or diplomatic channels. Instead, the author believes that an approach that uses cooperation, economic issues and the diplomacy will provide the best results; in stopping the spread of WMDs. This is significant because it shows that the spread of WMDs can prevented, by using a number of different approaches and flexibility. (Busch, 2008, 156 -- 175)

Taremi, K. (2005). Beyond the Axis of Evil. Security Dialogue. 36 (1), 93 -- 108

In this article, the author discusses how Iran has been trying to acquire WMDs for over 20 years. The main reason for this program is to prevent countries (such as the U.S.) from launching large scale invasions. As these fears were perpetuated by the Iran -- Iraq war during the 1980's, with the leadership not wanting to be vulnerable to invasions. This is significant, because it shows that many rogue states will often peruse these programs out of a fear of invasion. At which point, the chances for hostilities could increase because the possession of the kinds of weapons, could fool leaders into thinking the will not be attacked. (Taremi, 2005, 93 -- 108)