The proliferation of advanced conventional weapons (ACW) poses a grave threat to international peace and security. The acquisition by a growing number of countries of sophisticated advanced weapons systems follows a trend whereby the potency of specific ACW systems is compounded by integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning or robotics. Whereas the hardware – the equipment, materials, and components – for these systems can be manufactured indigenously or imported, access to and acquisition of ACW-related emerging technologies is a more daunting challenge. To mitigate the ACW proliferation threat, countries must develop strategies to recognize, preempt, and counteract malicious technology acquisition.
This article will analyze the threat of ACW and emerging technologies by describing acquisition typologies and the challenges they pose for targeted countries and sectors. The article will link these typologies to preemptive measures that governments and their technology holders can take to prevent malicious acquisition.
Read the full report at the Strategic Trade Research Institute.