Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Publication Date: September 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is now three years old. Initially, 11 nations pledged their cooperation in interdicting shipments of weapons of mass destruction-related (WMD) materials; more than 70 nations now support PSI. Many observers believe PSI's "strengthened political commitment of like-minded states to follow through" is a successful approach to countering proliferation, although details about PSI are sketchy. The 109th Congress has introduced eight bills supporting PSI. The State Department credits PSI with halting 11 WMD-related transfers from 2004 to 2005, and more than 2 dozen from 2005 to 2006. This report will be updated as needed.