Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction

Last updated
Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction
Formation27 June 2002
Type Multilateral Group, G7-led
PurposePreventing the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and related materials
Fields Biological Security
Chemical Weapons
UNSCR 1540 Implementation
Nuclear & Radiological Security
Membership
31 active members:
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Union, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States
Website www.gpwmd.com

The G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership) is an international security initiative announced at the 2002 G8 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in response to the September 11 attacks. It is the primary multilateral group that coordinates funding and in-kind support to help vulnerable countries around the world combat the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction (WMDs). [1]

Contents

The Global Partnership began as a 10-year, US$20 billion initiative aimed at addressing the threat of WMD proliferation to non-state actors and states of proliferation concern. The initial focus was on programming in Russia and other countries of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) to mitigate serious threats posed by Soviet-era WMD legacies. [2] [3] Specific priorities included: destroying stockpiles of chemical weapons, dismantling decommissioned nuclear submarines, safeguarding/disposing of fissile material, and the redirection of former weapons scientists. [4] In recognition of the Global Partnership’s success and the increasingly global nature of WMD proliferation and terrorism challenges, at the 2008 G8 Summit in Toyako, Japan, leaders agreed to expand the geographic focus of the Global Partnership beyond Russia and the FSU, and to target WMD proliferation threats wherever they presented. Additionally, at the 2011 G8 Summit in Deauville, France, G8 leaders extended the mandate of the Global Partnership beyond its original 10-year timeline (based on work undertaken by Canada during its 2010 G8 Presidency). [5]

To date the Global Partnership community has delivered more than US$25 billion in tangible threat-reduction programming and continues to lead international efforts to mitigate all manner of CBRN threats around the world. [6] As outlined in the Global Partnership’s annual Programming Annex, in 2020 a total of 245 Projects valued at US$669 million (or €555 million) were implemented by Members in dozens of countries in every region of the world. [7] Many additional contributions were measured not by financial means, but by the leadership and diplomatic efforts of members in the areas of threat reduction or non-proliferation. [7]

Priorities and working groups

The Global Partnership delivers threat reduction programming in four priority areas: nuclear and radiological security, biological security, chemical security, and implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540.

Members of the Global Partnership coordinate and collaborate on an ongoing basis to develop and deliver projects and programs to mitigate all manner of threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and related materials. Under the leadership of the rotational G7 Presidency, Global Partnership partners come together twice annually as the Global Partnership Working Group (GPWG) to review progress, assess the threat landscape and discuss where and how members can meaningfully engage to prevent terrorists and states of proliferation concern from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction. [8]

There are four sub-working groups subsumed under the GPWG. They aim to facilitate regular dialogue between experts on the Global Partnership's thematic priorities: [8]

Member countries and partners

Although originally launched as a G8 initiative and retaining strong affiliation with the G7 (e.g. the Global Partnership Presidency rotates with that of the G7), the Global Partnership currently includes 30 active member countries and the European Union. [8] Russia does not currently participate, consistent with G7 exclusion.

The Global Partnership coordinates and collaborates with a variety of international organizations, initiatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with similarly aligned objectives. Some of these key partners include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee, the World Health Organization, and other United Nations Agencies. [9]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weapon of mass destruction</span> Weapon that can kill many people or cause great damage

A weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is a biological, chemical, radiological, nuclear, or any other weapon that can kill or significantly harm many people or cause great damage to artificial structures, natural structures, or the biosphere. The scope and usage of the term has evolved and been disputed, often signifying more politically than technically. Originally coined in reference to aerial bombing with chemical explosives during World War II, it has later come to refer to large-scale weaponry of warfare-related technologies, such as biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear warfare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iraq Survey Group</span>

The Iraq Survey Group (ISG) was a fact-finding mission sent by the multinational force in Iraq to find the weapons of mass destruction alleged to be possessed by Iraq that had been the main ostensible reason for the invasion in 2003. Its final report, Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the Director of Central Intelligence on Iraq WMD, was submitted to Congress and the president in 2004. It consisted of a 1,400-member international team organized by the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency to hunt for the alleged stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological agents, and any supporting research programs and infrastructure that could be used to develop WMD. The report acknowledged that only small stockpiles of chemical WMDs were found, the numbers being inadequate to pose a militarily significant threat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel and weapons of mass destruction</span>

Israel is believed to possess weapons of mass destruction, and to be one of four nuclear-armed countries not recognized as a Nuclear Weapons State by the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The US Congress Office of Technology Assessment has recorded Israel as a country generally reported as having undeclared chemical warfare capabilities, and an offensive biological warfare program. Officially, Israel neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CBRN defense</span> Protective measures against hazardous materials warfare

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense or Nuclear, biological, and chemical protection is protective measures taken in situations in which chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear hazards may be present. CBRN defense consists of CBRN passive protection, contamination avoidance, and weapons of mass destruction mitigation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nunn–Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction</span> US initiative to reduce risk stemming from former USSR republics nuclear weapons

As the collapse of the Soviet Union appeared imminent, the United States and their NATO allies grew concerned of the risk of nuclear weapons held in the Soviet republics falling into enemy hands. The Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program was initiated by the Nunn–Lugar Act, which was authored and cosponsored by Sens. Sam Nunn (D-GA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN). The purpose of the CTR Program was originally "to secure and dismantle weapons of mass destruction and their associated infrastructure in former Soviet Union states." As the peace dividend grew old, an alternative 2009 explanation of the program was "to secure and dismantle weapons of mass destruction in states of the former Soviet Union and beyond". The CTR program funds have been disbursed since 1997 by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defense Threat Reduction Agency</span> U.S. Combat Support Agency for countering WMD

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is both a defense agency and a combat support agency within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for countering weapons of mass destruction and supporting the nuclear enterprise. Its stated mission is to provide "cross-cutting solutions to enable the Department of Defense, the United States Government, and international partners to Deter strategic attack against the United States and its allies; Prevent, reduce, and counter WMD and emerging threats; and Prevail against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict." DTRA is headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The DTRA mission, organization and management, responsibilities and functions, relationships, authorities, and administration are defined in DoD Directive 5105.62, Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) .

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NBC suit</span> Type of military personal protective equipment

An NBC suit, also called a chem suit, or chemical suit is a type of military personal protective equipment. NBC suits are designed to provide protection against direct contact with and contamination by radioactive, biological, or chemical substances, and provide protection from contamination with radioactive materials and all types of radiation. They are generally designed to be worn for extended periods to allow the wearer to fight while under threat of or under actual nuclear, biological, or chemical attack. The civilian equivalent is the hazmat suit. The term NBC has been replaced by CBRN, with the addition of the new threat of radiological weapons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation</span> U.S. State Department division

The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) is a bureau within the United States Department of State responsible for managing a broad range of nonproliferation and counterproliferation functions. The bureau leads U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, advanced conventional weapons, and related materials, technologies, and expertise.

The Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) is an informal international partnership among countries in order to exchange information and coordinate practices for confronting new threats and risks to global health. It was formed to respond to threats of biological, chemical, or radio-nuclear terrorism (CBRN), with pandemic influenza added to the scope a year later.

This article deals with activities of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, specifically dealing with arms control, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and weapons proliferation. It attempts to look at the process of tasking and analyzing, rather than the problem itself, other than whether the CIA's efforts match its legal mandate or assists in treaty compliance. In some cases, the details of a country's programs are introduced because they present a problem in analysis. For example, if Country X's policymakers truly believe in certain history that may not actually be factual, an analyst trying to understand Country X's policymakers needs to be able to understand their approach to an issue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540</span> 2004 resolution on non-proliferation of WMDs

United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 was adopted unanimously on 28 April 2004 regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The resolution establishes the obligations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter for all member states to develop and enforce appropriate legal and regulatory measures against the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery, in particular, to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors.

The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism of the United States Congress was set up "to assess, within 180 days, any and all of the nation's activities, initiatives, and programs to prevent weapons of mass destruction proliferation and terrorism." The Graham/Talent WMD Commission was also asked to provide concrete recommendations- a roadmap- to address these threats.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a United States federal agency responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the United States Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad.

The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) is an international organization consisting of 89 countries that have endorsed a set of nuclear security principles for nuclear terrorism deterrence, prevention, detection, and response. It is co-chaired by the United States and Russia. The organization aims to develop partnership capacity to combat nuclear terrorism, consistent with national legal authorities and obligations as well as relevant international legal frameworks such as the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540.

A Joint Task Force for Elimination (JTF-E) headquarters was a concept for a military task force headquarters staffed by joint personnel for the purpose of conducting WMD Elimination operations through command and control of joint elimination enablers such as nuclear disablement teams, CBRN Response Teams, radiation assessment teams, and medical laboratories. A JTF-E headquarters may be formed per Joint Publication 3-40 one of two ways: 1) An existing headquarters designated by a Combatant Commander with Joint Elimination Coordination Element (JECE) augmentation and 2) Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) establishing a JTF-E by utilizing the JECE and another existing headquarters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs</span>

The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs, or ASD(NCB), is the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment on policy and plans for nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs.

Biosecurity in the United States is governed by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, which is part of the US Department of State. It obtains guidance and advice on specific matters relating to biosecurity from various other government agencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonnie Jenkins</span> American diplomat

Bonnie Denise Jenkins currently serves as the under secretary of state for arms control and international security affairs. During the Obama administration, she was the U.S. Department of State's coordinator for threat reduction programs in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2013</span>

The WMD Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2013 is a bill that would "amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish weapons of mass destruction intelligence and information sharing functions of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and to require dissemination of information analyzed by the Department to entities with responsibilities relating to homeland security." This intelligence gathering would include not only chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, but also the analysis of potential threats to public health or U.S. agriculture. The bill passed the United States House of Representatives during the 113th United States Congress and was referred to the United States Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EU CBRN Risk Mitigation CoE Initiative</span>

The EU Centres of Excellence on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation is an initiative of the European Union which was launched in 2010. The initiative addresses the mitigation of and preparedness for risks related to CBRN material and agents. The origin of these risks can be criminal, accidental or natural. The CBRN CoE Initiative seeks to boost cooperation at national, regional and international levels, and to develop a common and coherent CBRN risk mitigation policy at national and regional level. Risk mitigation comprises prevention, preparedness and post-crisis management.

References

  1. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction Archived 2013-12-18 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2 September 2012
  2. The New York Times (2008) RUSSIA/US: Global partnership Retrieved 2 September 2012
  3. Nuclear Threat Initiative. Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction ("10 Plus 10 Over 10 Program") Archived 2016-02-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2 September 2012
  4. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Report on the G8 global partnership Archived 2013-12-18 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2 September 2012
  5. U.S. Department of State (2012) G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction Retrieved 2 September 2012
  6. "Global Partnership Against WMD Newsletter (September 2020)". us10.campaign-archive.com. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  7. 1 2 "Global Partnership Programming Annex (2020)". www.gpwmd.com. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  8. 1 2 3 "How We Work - Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction". www.gpwmd.com. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
  9. "Partners". www.gpwmd.com. Retrieved 2021-06-24.