Do Export Control Regimes Have Members They Really Need?

Abstract

Do multilateral export control regimes have members that they really need and benefit from? Are all the existing and potential members relevant to the goals and objectives of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement? We use the case studies of MTCR and NSG to show that many regime members do not have nuclear, missile and chemical/biological programs, civilian or otherwise, not to mention exporting capabilities. Moreover, combining suppliers and non-suppliers in the consensus-based regimes appears to have become counterproductive. The main goal of these regimes is to combat proliferation of WMD using controls on exports of relevant technologies. To achieve success, it is necessary that the regimes review their membership criteria. We recommend that membership in the export control regimes should be limited to active exporters only.