Nonproliferation Sanctions

The proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and missiles for these weapons' delivery is a major threat to international security. This study examines the United States' use of sanctions against foreign entities to prevent such proliferation. This study begins with a review of the objectives and provisions of the various U.S. nonproliferation sanctions laws. The legal provisions are compared at each step of the sanctions process. The study then reviews the history of the application of sanctions against proliferation, and the problems revealed by the experience. It then explores alternatives for dealing with these problems-including possible actions by both Congress and the Executive Branch, and concludes with recommendations.