Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Internet and the Security Policy

Rationale


As a student of International Relations, it is evident that the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is the sole most threatening security predicament since the demise of the “Evil Empire” in1989. In 1994, President Clinton in response to WMD intelligence issued Executive Order number 12938, declared a national emergency citing an “extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States”(EX.O no.12938). Recently the increase in terror attacks and proliferation of WMD by rogue states like Iran calls for non-traditional alternatives to obtaining, analyzing and disseminating WMD related intelligence. Despite the international effort before 9/11 and thereafter, effective WMD regimes have been painfully slow because of information fragmentation. Therefore, as Robert Burnett and P. David Marshall of Northeastern University, elegantly suggest, “[i]nformation and networks” (23) is the prudent recourse. This paper will thus investigate the extent to which the World Wide Web can mitigate the flaws in international security and WMD in particular.

Methodology

In conducting this research project I am relying on five Web-based organizations. These sites range from educational and governmental to nongovernmental. Cyber search engines Yahoo! and Google were the primary tools used to arrive at these sites, for they have vast volumes of all dimensions on WMD proliferation. Using “weapons of mass destruction” as a key word I was introduced to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons literature unknown before and indeed remotely present in formalized traditional sources like textbooks. Specific information is available on WMD development and acquisition, delivery process, and policy specifics. By clicking on the site search engines I sifted through multiple levels of data options, all organized by subject. Important still, I was able to initiate inter-site searches, for instance the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) has a “search site links” option with tools directing users to other biological, chemical and nuclear sites (e.g., Nuclear Threat Initiative). In particular the MIIS is equipped with a multi-level option to almost any relevant Website.

Annotated Bibliography

Federation of America Scientists. 4 Feb. 2005 http://www.fas.org/static/about.jsp.
The Federation of American Scientists is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1945 by a group of atomic scientists. Founders were members of the infamous Manhattan Project, creators of the atom bomb. Its primary goal is “to end the worldwide arms race and avoid the use of nuclear weapons for any purpose.” The site puts forward a comprehensive historical inquiry into the evolution of nuclear weapons with advanced delivery systems, including the intercontinental ballistic missiles and surface-to-surface cruise missiles. Furthermore, the “WMD Watch” area of the site offers the latest news on chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, policy initiatives and defense spending. Moreover, the site’s navigation tools are user friendly, conveniently located and active.

Monterey Institute of International Studies, 1989. 2 Feb. 2005 http://www.cns.miis.edu/
The Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) is located in Monterey, California and has offices in Washington, DC to maximize access to international policy makers and other security experts that flock into the US national capitol. The area “About Us” on the site gives a clear history of organization. It was established by Dr. William Potter in 1998 with a small group of students with daunting task but noble mission “to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by training the next generation of nonproliferation specialists and disseminating timely information and analysis.” In addition, MIIS is the largest nongovernmental organization in the United States devoted exclusively to research and training on nonproliferation. There are five extensive programs, each with area expertise, and it offers a variety of information ranging from raw intelligence data to publications. Conveniently, information is generated by one of the specialized programs (e.g., chemical weapons). More still, the site offers peer reviewed publications on virtually any WMD related subject. Overall, the site is instructive and unique in contrast to any other on weapons of mass destruction.


Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund. 1 April. 1994. 13 Feb. 2005 .
The Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (NDF) was established pursuant to section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act enacted on October 24, 1992. Its objectives include halting the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, delivery systems, and related sensitive materials by offering funds. Funds are offered to neutralize the existing weapons of mass destruction, delivery systems, and limit the spread of advanced conventional weapons and their delivery systems. Moreover, this site is run by a highly credible organization that supplements US diplomatic efforts to halt the spread WMD. The NDF works closely with the US Department of State, and it is well structured; for instance, the option “Project Category” lists news by date and alphabetically for easy access. Furthermore, by a simple click on the “Project Category” this initiates a process internal access with in project categories that catalog a particular aspect on WMD (e.g., the amount of stockpiles and procurement information). In short, the NDF is the only federally funded site for the purpose of reducing and providing intelligence on the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

Nuclear Threat Initiative. 20 January. 2001. 2 Feb 2005 .
The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) based in Washington, DC is a non-profit organization founded by Mr. Ted Turner and Senator Sam Nunn in January 2001. Its mission is “to strengthen global security by reducing the risk of use and preventing the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.” Furthermore, NTI seeks to raise public awareness, serve as a catalyst for new thinking and take direct action to reduce these threats. The site is engaged in model programs to inspire private and governmental efforts toward threat reduction by offering services in communication and education in Russia, the New Independent States, and the United States. The “Web Highlight,” “Newswire,” “Press Room,” and “Search me tutorials” links introduce users to an independent news service produced by the National Journal Group. The “Online Library” contains briefing papers and in-depth analysis on key issues. The site’s most valuable features include the extensive studies of weapons of mass destruction, and inter-site information networking.


Ploughshare Funds. 9 Nov. 1984. 2 Feb 2005 http://www.ploughshares.org/about_us.php?a=1&b=0&c.=0.The Ploughshares Fund (PF) is a public grant making foundation that supports initiatives to prevent the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction and conflicts that could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). PF is based out of San Francisco. The site specializes in giving start-up funds to promising new efforts aimed at reducing the possibility of a WMD holocaust. It also funds public campaigns to compel governments to oppose the development of a new generation of “usable” nuclear weapons and to take their nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert. In addition, resources are awarded to networks of civil society organizations that are monitoring governments’ adherence to the biological weapons treaty, in the absence of any official verification regime. Recently, monies were allocated for installation of seismic monitoring equipment in Russia that proved that a ban on nuclear testing could indeed be verified. An annual report on all weapon systems is a prominent feature which highlights the proliferation status of WMD-seeking states.