THE AUSTRALIA GROUP

Abstract

The Australia Group's (AG's) contributions toward stemming global proliferation of chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction over the last 20 years are noted, in addition to the group's complementary role in effectively supporting the purpose and objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). This report also outlines the organizational and operational means that help accomplish the AG mission and notes the U.S. Congress’ recognition of the role of the AG in countering chemical and biological weapons proliferation. Addressing criticism by some CWC states parties that question the AG's role in nonproliferation, the author also highlights the AG's expanded reach since September 2001 over terrorist activity. Finally,the article identifies a challenge the AG now faces in furthering its objectives and offers a possible solution.

Keywords:

• Australia Group
• Nonproliferation
• Chemical Weapons Convention
• Export controls

Notes

1. U.S. Senate, Committee on Foreign Relations, “Chemical Weapons Convention: Hearings before the Committee on Foreign Relations,” S. Hrg. 105-183, 105th Cong, 1st sess., April 8, 9, 15, and 17, 1997, Federation of American Scientists’ Web Site, <www.fas.org/nuke/control/cwc/news/sfrc/conditions.htm>.

2. See the U.S. Government Printing Office Web Site, </www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html>.

3. See the Federation of American Scientists Web Site, </www.fas.org/nuke/control/bwc/text/execordr.htm>. This order was superseded by Executive Order 12938, issued by President Bill Clinton on Nov. 19, 1994, which was itself superseded by President George W. Bush's Executive Order 13382 on June 28, 2005. See </www.fas.org/nuke/control/bwc/news/950217-379855.htm> and <www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/06/20050629.html>.

4. U.S. Senate, Committee on Foreign Relations, Chemical Weapons Convention, </www.fas.org/nuke/control/cwc/news/sfrc/conditions.htm>.

5. U.S. Government Printing Office Web Site, </www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html>.

6. Vann Van Diepen, “Special Report—Missile Nonproliferation: Accomplishments and Future Challenges,” International Export Control Observer 5 (March 2006), pp. 17–19, Center for Nonproliferation Studies Web Site, <www.cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/pdfs/ieco_0603e.pdf>.