Protecting against the Spread of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons

January 1, 2003

The growing threat of the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has galvanized international attention. In June 2002, the G-8 announced the creation of the Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, pledging to raise up to $20 billion to address that threat. To advance this initiative, an international consortium of research institutions has collaborated to assess global efforts to account for, secure, and dismantle nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, agents, materials, and infrastructure, as well as to help former weapon scientists and specialists reintegrate into civilian work. In this, the first volume of a four-volume study, the consortium has produced the most comprehensive analysis of international threat reduction programs to date. This is the first study that brings together donors and recipients of threat reduction assistance to make joint, actionable recommendations to promote and expand the goals of the Global Partnership to make the world safer.

Robert J. Einhorn is a senior adviser with the CSIS International Security Program. Previously, he was assistant secretary of state for nonproliferation. Michele A. Flournoy is a senior adviser with the CSIS International Security Program. Previously, she was distinguished research professor at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.