Pragmatic Micawberism? Norm Construction on Ballistic Missiles
Title:
Pragmatic Micawberism? Norm Construction on Ballistic Missiles
Author:
Smith, Mark
Appeared in:
Contemporary security policy
Paging:
Volume 27 (2006) nr. 3 pages 526-542
Year:
2006-12
Contents:
Ballistic missile and WMD proliferation go hand-in-hand, yet missile norms remain the most chronically under-developed of all the international arrangements surrounding WMD. This article argues that although the link between missiles and WMD undoubtedly is important, it should not be overplayed when trying to establish norms and controls over international missile proliferation. Ballistic missile control will certainly reinforce international controls over WMD, but will need to be constructed on a different set of principles. It no longer is sufficient waiting, as if for something to turn up. Nonetheless, there is a way forward, one that requires a pragmatic deference to existing realities, but tempered with a certain optimism that the way chosen will produce results in the long term rather than immediately. Bans are infeasible, but control may result from a process of patient construction, including such elements as regional agreements and a shift to missile defence.
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