Number: RS21840
Title: Expanding Threat Reduction and Nonproliferation Programs: Concepts and Definitions
Authors: Amy F. Woolf, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: President Bush, Members of Congress, and analysts outside government have suggested that the United States provide threat reduction and nonproliferation assistance to nations outside the former Soviet Union. This report highlights differences among these proposals. Some propose expanding assistance to contain proliferation; others support programs to stop terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Some support assisting only those nations with WMD programs; others believe the assistance should go to any nation with materials or knowledge that could contribute to WMD programs. Some support assistance with the storage or elimination of weapons; others believe the United States should lock down all materials that might be used in WMD. Some believe the United States can fund expanded programs from the existing budget for nonproliferation and threat reduction assistance; others support large increases in the existing budget.
Pages: 6
Date: October 5, 2004