by Ivan Siluianov* Today, the world is inundated with 3D-printed guns, which are used in major armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, and homicides. While UN member states are trying to address the impact of these weapons, one question arises: Are 3D-printers — barely regulated and widely accessible — capable of enabling the production of components for […]
Multilateral Export Control Regimes
Fact Sheet: Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging means of production in which objects are created by layering materials in precise geometric shapes according to a predetermined design. This contrasts with traditional “subtractive” manufacturing in which material is pared, milled, carved, or otherwise reduced to shape an object. Additive manufacturing refers to the general manufacturing process that […]
Fact Sheet: The Australia Group
At a Glance The Australia Group (AG) is a group of 42 countries and the European Union dedicated to preventing the spread and proliferation of chemical and biological weapons through the coordination of export control policies. The AG facilitates compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). All […]
Fact Sheet: The Wassenaar Arrangement
At a Glance The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) is a voluntary multilateral export control regime that provides members a space to exchange information regarding exports of sensitive conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies in hopes of preventing the proliferation of such items. It was formed in 1996 as the successor to the Cold War-era Coordinating […]
Fact Sheet: Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
At a Glance The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a group of potential nuclear supplier countries that follow guidelines for nuclear-related exports in efforts to promote nuclear non-proliferation while complying with Article IV of the NPT requirements to foster cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Since participation is voluntary, there are 48 “participating governments.” History […]