Illicit Trafficking Challenges: Fighting the Good Fight Against Illicit Trafficking Networks.

摘要

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, states have looked externally to supplement their knowledge of new technologies and to obtain needed materials. In cases where nations have built weapons of mass destruction (WMD) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons their success was based on the acquisition of vital equipment, materials, and know- how from foreign entities. History has recorded time and time again examples of nations sending agents to far off lands to acquire designs and recruit technicians in support of indigenous efforts to develop WMD systems. Despite new international efforts to stop the spread of sensitive technologies, illicit procurement activities continue. In January 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reported on more than 250 cases over a 5- year period of nationals from China, Colombia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Venezuela, and other countries conspiring to procure various high tech items that could be used to further their country s military programs. The DOJ only records U.S. cases, but similar numbers might be found in other industrialized countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. And these are only the known cases. There must be a number of cases that are unknown and successful. States and non state actors continue to inch closer to developing weapons that one day will threaten peace and stability in the world.