In order to mark the 20th anniversary of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) is pleased to invite you to a conference on:
Missile Proliferation: New Challenges and New Responses
Wednesday, 2 May 2007, 09.00-17.00
Eigtveds Pakhus,
Asiatisk Plads 2 G, 1st floor, 1448 Copenhagen K
Background
The risk of rogue states and terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction is an imminent threat to international peace and security. To counter this threat it is important to maintain vigilance over the transfer of missile equipment, material and related technologies usable for systems capable of delivering WMDs.
As relevant technology becomes available commercially, efforts to control the sophistication of missiles and their spread are increasingly becoming more difficult. At the same time, the development of ballistic missile defenses, and the fact that space programs of some countries may inadvertently lead to proliferation of technologies which can be used in missile programs, spurs international concern. The international community criticises specific activities by individual countries, but lacks a comprehensive multilateral instrument or agreement that draws a clear line between acceptable and unacceptable activities.
The overall purpose of the conference is to discuss threats and challenges of missile proliferation with a particular focus on geographical, technical and political challenges and responses. The conference will bring together researchers, politicians, officials and opinion leaders from Europe and the United States, and will be opened by the Danish Minister of Defence, who will speak on Danish efforts to strengthen missile technology control during Denmark’s current chairmanship of the MTCR.
Programme
2 May 2007
09.00-09.30
Registration
09.30-09.35
Welcome
Nanna Hvidt, Director, Danish Institute for International Studies
09.35-09.45
The Danish Chairmanship of the MTCR
Søren Gade, Danish Minister of Defence
09.45-10.10
20 Years of Missile Control Regime and Beyond
Per Fischer, Special Advisor to the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman MTCR
10.10-10.50
Coffee break
10.50-12.10
Panel 1: Geographical Challenges
In recent years North Korea (DPRK) and Iran have developed WMD stockpiles as well of systems capable of delivering these weapons and threatened to sell to everyone interested. At the same time missile technology is big business and several states are defending their right to export their missile systems. What are the current challenges of missile proliferation regarding rogue states, non-state actors and states claiming their right to missile technology and export income? What are the present geographical hot spots?
- Dr. Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- Dr. Victor Zaborskiy, Founder, Special Trade Operations Consulting, Atlanta, Georgia
- Dr. Dinshaw Mistry, Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati, and author of “Containing Missile Proliferation”
12.10-13.15
Buffet lunch for all participants and speakers
13.15-14.45
Panel 2: Technical Challenges
At the heart of the effort to prevent missile proliferation is the need to control sensitive know-how and technologies. As relevant technology becomes increasingly available commercially, efforts to control the sophistication of missiles and their spread may become more difficult. The use of front companies, dual-use technology and access to illicit markets have provided state and non-state actors with missile capabilities. How can sensitive know-how and technology be effectively controlled without hampering the free movement of goods and services?
- Dr. Ian Anthony, Project Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Nikita Smidovich, Expert and Head of Training Unit, UNMOVIC
- Bruno Gruselle, Engineer, Senior Policy Analyst, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique
14.45-15.15
Coffee break
15.15-16.45
Panel 3: Political Challenges and Responses
The international community criticises specific activities by individual countries, but lacks a comprehensive multilateral instrument or agreement which may separate acceptable activities from unacceptable activities. With the current geographical and technological challenges in mind what is the scope of political response to control missile proliferation, and how can multilateral cooperation on the issue be enhanced?
- Dr. Richard Speier, Independent Consultant, negotiator of the original MTCR treaty
- Scott Ritter, former Intelligence officer, U.S. Marine Corps, and former UN Weapons Inspector
- Dr. Marianne Hansson, Director, Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution, University of Queensland
16.45-17.00
Concluding remarks
Practical Information
The conference will be held in English.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required by e-mail including name, title and organisation to no later than Friday, 27 April 2007 at 12.00 noon. Please await confirmation by e-mail from DIIS for participation. |
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