counterproliferation
Stopping weapons spread
Counterproliferation refers to efforts aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction—nuclear, chemical, and biological—through active measures like interdiction, sanctions, or military action.
It differs from nonproliferation, which relies on treaties and diplomacy.
The counterproliferation strategy included intercepting suspicious cargo ships.
Binding pact between nations
- disarmamentReducing or eliminating weapons
- denuclearizationRemoval of atomic weapons
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- export controlsRestrictions on foreign sales
arms embargo · verification · compliance · arms reduction · safeguards · inspection · monitoring · enforcement
Authoritative prohibition or blockade
- missile defenseSystem intercepting hostile projectiles
- preemptive strikeAttack to forestall aggression
- air defenseProtection from aerial attack
- biodefenseProtection from biological attacks
hardening · readiness · decontamination · hazmat · surgical strike · special operations · target acquisition · neutralization
Catastrophic armament category
- nuclearOf atomic energy
- biologicalRelating to living organisms
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
- radiologicalInvolving emission-based imaging
terrorism · rogue state · uranium enrichment · plutonium · centrifuge · weaponization · delivery systems · ballistic missile
Systematic observation of subjects
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- detectionAct of finding something
- early warningAlert before event occurs
satellite imagery · signals intelligence · human intelligence · covert operations · threat assessment · smuggling networks · front companies
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- multilateralInvolving multiple parties
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- statecraftArt of government
foreign policy · mediation · détente · accord · envoy · dialogue · coalition building · international cooperation
treaty
Binding pact between nations
- disarmamentReducing or eliminating weapons
- denuclearizationRemoval of atomic weapons
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
export controls · arms embargo · verification · compliance · arms reduction · safeguards · inspection · monitoring · enforcement · moratorium
interdiction
Authoritative prohibition or blockade
- missile defenseSystem intercepting hostile projectiles
- preemptive strikeAttack to forestall aggression
- air defenseProtection from aerial attack
biodefense · hardening · readiness · decontamination · hazmat · surgical strike · special operations · target acquisition · neutralization · precision strike
WMD
Catastrophic armament category
- nuclearOf atomic energy
- biologicalRelating to living organisms
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
radiological · terrorism · rogue state · uranium enrichment · plutonium · centrifuge · weaponization · delivery systems · ballistic missile · dirty bomb
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- detectionAct of finding something
early warning · satellite imagery · signals intelligence · human intelligence · covert operations · threat assessment · smuggling networks · front companies
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- multilateralInvolving multiple parties
- bilateralInvolving two parties
statecraft · foreign policy · mediation · détente · accord · envoy · dialogue · coalition building · international cooperation · UN Security Council
counterproliferationproliferation
Rapid increase in quantity
nuclear proliferation · weapons trafficking · arms trafficking
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