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Challenges for intelligence analysts when considering the usage of dual-use material
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Challenges for intelligence analysts when considering the usage of dual-use material
Intelligence analysts encounter significant difficulties when dealing with the employment of dual-use materials, which are substances or technology that have both military and civilian applications. These difficulties result from the complexity of dual-use materials and the necessity to balance international commitments, economic interests, and national security considerations. First, separating lawful civilian use from potential military applications is one of the biggest hurdles. Many dual-use products, including specific chemicals or sophisticated production machinery, can serve unobtrusive functions in sectors like electronics or pharmaceuticals.[1] These same resources, however, can also be utilized to create nuclear weapons or cutting-edge military technologies. Analysts need to closely examine the intended usage and watch for any unusual activity that can point to a shift toward military applications.
Second, the global supply chain makes the monitoring and management of dual-use commodities more challenging. Due to the frequent worldwide trade of these materials, following their movements and stopping their diversion for illegal uses is challenging.[2] Information sharing and coordinated action are required between intelligence agencies and international partners to stop the spread of dual-use items. Furthermore, it is challenging to remain abreast of developing dual-use dangers, given the quick speed of scientific study and technological breakthroughs. To identify potential dangers, analysts must constantly update their expertise and evaluation techniques when new materials and technologies are developed. A persistent problem is also finding a balance between economic and security concerns. Intelligence analysts must accurately assess the risks and rewards of various policy options for policymakers since restricting commerce or using dual-use materials may have adverse economic effects.
Last but not least, non-state actors and rogue nations are frequently involved in the proliferation of dual-use materials, and they can be more challenging to monitor and control than state-sponsored initiatives.[3] The difficulty of preventing the misuse of these resources is made even more challenging by this. In conclusion, intelligence analysts must negotiate a challenging environment when evaluating the employment of dual-use materials. They must differentiate between military and civilian uses, deal with challenges in the global supply chain, stay current on technology developments, balance economic and security concerns, and deal with non-state players.
Bibliography
Luger, Ewa. “What Do We Know and What Should We Do About AI?” What Do We Know and What Should We Do About AI? (2022): 1-100.
Nelson, Christopher. Methods of Strategic Trade Analysis: Data-driven Approaches to Detect Illicit Dual-use Trade. Springer Nature, 2022.
Trump, Benjamin D., Marie-Valentine Florin, Edward Perkins, and Igor Linkov. “Biosecurity for Synthetic Biology and Emerging Biotechnologies: Critical Challenges for Governance.” Emerging Threats of Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology: Addressing Security and Resilience Issues (2021): 1-12.
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