Institute for applied science

The terrorist events of 9/11 have underlined the complex transnational nature of terrorism and have highlighted the international community?s need to develop new cooperative approaches to nonproliferation and counter terrorism.

Purpose:

The purpose of this workshop is to examine current trends in illicit trafficking in weapons of mass destruction and to develop and coordinate bilateral and multilateral initiatives to improve detection, deterrence and interdiction of smuggling channels. The workshop provides a platform to continue and expand the counter-trafficking work initiated by the Working Group on Illicit Trafficking at the International Approaches to Nuclear and Radiological Security (IANRS) Conference that took place in October 2002 in London. The IANRS initiative is organized by the Trilateral Group under the auspices of the United States Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration in conjunction with the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Atomic Energy (MINATOM) and the Russian Research Center, the Kurchatov Institute. The London 2002 conference focused on what are arguably the most pressing questions facing the international community today: What are the threats from the potential proliferation of nuclear and radiological weapons? And what are the most effective processes and means by which the threats can be contained? The conference provided an auspicious beginning - multi-disciplinary gathering of experts from 26 countries in which debate was vigorous and rigourous, and yet in which agreement was almost unanimous. A consensus emerged as to what should be done, who should do it, and in what order.

The Illicit Trafficking Working Group that was created through the London Conference identified 16 issues for action. The format for this NATO workshop is designed to advance the agenda on those items. The workshop is also designed to expand the agenda beyond purely nuclear and radiological, to include related WMD threats and other security threats that use the same smuggling channels. The workshop will examine the relationship between traditional smuggling channels and emerging security threats such as illicit trafficking in weapons of mass destruction technology and personnel. It will also focus on the practical measures that can be taken to improve detection, deterrence and interdiction. The principal objective of the workshop is to apply broader counter-trafficking lessons to bilateral and multilateral efforts to counter the security threat posed by illicit WMD trafficking.

Attendees:

Representatives from 24 countries will participate in the conference, including policy makers from key governments, international organizations and the private sector.

Goals

To continue and expand the counter-trafficking work initiated by the Working Group on Illicit Trafficking at the International Approaches to Nuclear and Radiological Security Conference which took place in October 2002 in London.
Examine the relationship between narcotics trafficking, illicit funds development and transactions, and WMD acquisition efforts by rogue states and terrorist groups.
Improve co-operation and information sharing between governments, inter-governmental agencies and the private sector on issues related to illicit trafficking, in particular with regards to indicators and warnings. To explore means to augment international capabilities to detect, deter and interdict illicit trafficking related to terrorism and WMD sources.
To assess resources available for counter trafficking training programs at the regional level. To discuss and share information on new technologies available for detection, deterrence and interdiction of illicit trafficking activity.
To develop and coordinate multilateral strategies, to improve current activities, to address deficiencies, and to develop new proposals for action.
The contributions of the participants together with any related background contributions will be published in hard back as part of the NATO Science Series.