Dimensions: 5.5'' x 8.25'' 72 pages AEI Press  (Washington) Publication Date: January 2001 Paperback ISBN: 0844771589 Price: $ 10.00 Add to Cart   Examination Copies

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Denying critical military technology to potential adversaries is as important to America's security today as it was during the Cold War, but the export control regimen designed for the Cold War must be updated to take account of the quickened pace of technological change and globalization since the fall of the Berlin Wall. "Sweeping change" is needed, writes AEI resident fellow Richard Perle in his extensive introduction to this study. Export controls must be focused more narrowly on technologies that are not already generally available around the world, while restrictions should be lifted from technologies such as computing that require freedom to flourish and provide the United States with both military and general economic benefits.

Unfortunately, purchased and stolen U.S. technology has accelerated the military development of hostile nations and nonstate actors. "We have already seen evidence," says author Seth Cropsey, "of what mischief the wicked, armed with the terrible, can cause." Our most important failure to guard our military edge involves China, a nation whose role in weapons proliferation means U.S. technology of mass destruction may be transferred to rogue states or terrorists.

Seth Cropsey is a director with the government affairs division of Greenberg Taurig. An officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, his past government service includes serving as deputy under secretary of the navy and assistant to the secretary of defense.