The Proliferation Security Initiative (Adelphi series) - Softcover

Valencia, Mark J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415395127 ISBN 13: 9780415395120

Publisher: Routledge, 2023

Synopsis

The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), launched initiated by US President Bush in May 2003, was designed to prevent elements of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) from reaching or leaving states or sub-state actors of proliferation concern. More than twenty countries now adhere to PSI principles.

Though the principal focus of the initiative is on North Korea, Japan and Singapore are the only active East Asian participants. Most WMD traffic moves by sea, and the focus of the PSI is on maritime interdictions and seizures. Although the PSI has had some significant successes, its aggressive promotion and implementation has been controversial. It has been criticised for lacking sufficient public accountability, stretching international law to the limits, undermining the UN system, potentially limited effectiveness and for being politically divisive. Moreover, Asian countries that are key to PSI's successful implementation - notably China, India, Indonesia and South Korea - have deferred active involvement despite US pressure

The complexities of the post-Cold War security environment in East Asia make implementation of the PSI problematic. Against the background of China's rise, Japan's drive to become a 'normal' power and major-power competition for influence in Southeast Asia, maritime security issues are rising to the fore. Jurisdiction is creeping seawards while national threat perceptions as well as concepts of sovereignty are diverge, elevating maritime sensitivities.

About this title

About the Author

Mark J. Valencia is a maritime policy analyst with a special interest in Asia. For many years Senior Fellow at the East-West Center in Hawaii, he has also worked extensively as a consultant on maritime issues for governments, international organisations and the private sector. His most recent publication is Military and Intelligence Gathering Activities in the Exclusive Economic Zones: Consensus and Disagreement (co-editor, Marine Policy Special Issues, March 2005 and January 2004). He was the author of Adelphi Paper 298, China and the South China Sea Disputes (1995).

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2023
• ISBN 10: 0415395127
• ISBN 13: 9780415395120
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 96