Export Controls Are a Defining Instrument of U.S. National Security
About this commentary series
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has launched a new project on export controls that will run through the beginning of 2021. This project examines the policy goals of U.S. export controls, their effectiveness, the role of allies and partners, and the potential unintended consequences of America’s growing use of export controls. As a part of this project, CNAS has asked a group of experts and policymakers to offer their perspectives on the policy goals that U.S. export controls should serve, and how and under what circumstances U.S. export controls can effectively achieve those policy goals. This is the first series of commentaries that CNAS will publish as a part of this project.
Explore the series
Rethinking Export Controls: Unintended Consequences and the New Technological Landscape
The U.S. approach to export controls requires change....
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Energy, Economics & Security
Export Controls Are Bigger and Broader. But Are We Safer?
U.S. leaders must consider how export controls can be used effectively, and the circumstances in which export controls may be ill-suited to a policy objective....
Energy, Economics & Security
Trade Controls are a Limited Tool of Foreign Policy
If the goal is to ensure our adversaries acquire nothing that they need, we are doomed to failure....
Energy, Economics & Security
For Effective Controls, Build Coalitions
As strategic concerns about China and its industrial policy become more widespread, opportunities to build coalitions are expanding....
Energy, Economics & Security
Export Controls Will Become More Effective When They Include Plurilateral Controls
Use of export controls to accomplish purely economic or trade policy objectives compromises the effectiveness of both the export control and the international trade systems....
Energy, Economics & Security
To Protect America’s Edge, Focus on Tech Indigenization
The best application of technology-focused export controls are ones that directly address the pursuit of indigenization....
Energy, Economics & Security
On Export Controls, the United States Must Focus on Effectiveness
Export controls will be more effective if they are narrowly tailored to specific national security objectives....
Energy, Economics & Security
As Warfighting Becomes High-Tech, Export Controls are the Front Line
Export controls are effective in supporting the core U.S. policy goal of protecting U.S. military might....
Energy, Economics & Security
China’s View of the United States’ Expanded Use of Export Controls
China will respond by strengthening its self-sufficiency in critical technologies and safeguarding its core national interests....
Energy, Economics & Security
Designing for Export: Industry and Government Roles
The United States should enhance the exportability of U.S.-produced platforms and systems to U.S. allies....
Energy, Economics & Security
Shaping the Fourth Offset
In pursuit of a Fourth Offset, export regulations may be radically reimagined to alter U.S. industry culture and commercial strategies....
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