Partners in Prevention FAQ
FAQ
• What is Partners
in Prevention (PIP)?
• What is Stimson?
• In what areas is PIP focusing its work? Why?
•
What is the relationship between PIP's Task
Force and the Working Groups?
• Why is Stimson engaging private industry actors in PIP?
• Can I (or my organization) participate in one of
the Working Groups? What kind of commitments would it entail?
•
Why would participation in the working groups be beneficial to my business, trade association, etc.?
•
I am not located near Washington, DC. Can I
still participate?
What is Partners in Prevention (PIP)?
Partners in Prevention is a project of the Managing Across Boundaries Program at Stimson. We work with industry to facilitate pragmatic, market-based steps that help align profitability and public security as mutually reinforcing goals in global business operations. Security threats historically have been addressed with state-based tools -- principally laws, regulations, and functionally or geographically defined international organizations. For many illicit trafficking threats, this state-based approach is necessary but insufficient. PIP is undertaking a complementary effort to engage relevant businesses, develop templates for self-regulation that advance counter-trafficking objectives, and establish market-based incentives to do so.
What is Stimson?
Stimson is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security through a unique combination of rigorous analysis and outreach. Through pragmatic approaches to global security priorities, Stimson provides policy alternatives, solves problems, and overcomes obstacles to a more peaceful and secure world. The members of Stimson's Board of Directors come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and political perspectives.
In what areas is PIP focusing its work? Why?
The four main industry spaces that PIP focuses on are:
- Dual-use technologies
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Shipping
- Insurance
From a regulatory perspective, dual-use technologies and radiopharmaceuticals arguably show two sides of the same coin. Dual-use technology manufacturers have long been subject to an array of goverment regulations, while radiopharmaceuticals is a relatively less mature space and, as such, is not subject to the same degree of government-mandated security controls. This relative flexibility in the radiopharmaceutical space allows for an exploration of different approaches to, and different incentives for, self-regulation. Shipping and insurance are similarly significant industries for PIP in that they provide the "infrastructure" for global trade.
What is the relationship between PIP's Task Force and the Working Groups?
The Task Force provides overall direction for the project and for the four industry-specific Working Groups, each of which has 2-4 "leads" drawn from the Task Force. The other participants in the Working Groups consist of a diverse range of industry actors. While some Working Group participants were identified by the Task Force, others have approached Stimson directly to indicate their interest. And there is still time for additional participants -- perhaps even you or your firm -- to get involved (more on that below).
The first meeting of the Task Force was in early September 2012, at which point the Task Force leads were chosen for the Working Groups. The Working Groups are being launched sequentially, with the Dual-use Technologies Working Group established in October 2012. The Radiopharmaceutical Working Group will be launched in February 2013, followed by the Shipping Working Group in May 2013 and Insurance Working Group in June 2013. Information and recommendations gathered by each Working Group will be analyzed for key findings, culminating in briefs to policy and industry stakeholders and a report outlining proposed frameworks for industry self-regulation consistent with government security objectives.
Why is Stimson engaging private sector actors in PIP?
Encouraging industry self-regulation while meeting security needs to mitigate illicit activities is an innovative strategy for increasing security via the global supply chain. By engaging private industry actors early in the process, PIP envisions that the outcomes of the pilot initatives can enhance industry operations in ways that are mutually beneficial to both business and government, as well as provide "templates" for self-regulation in adjacent industry spaces.
Can I (or my organization) participate in one of the Working Groups? What kind of commitments would it entail?
Yes, PIP aims to gather input from a broad array of industry and encourages you to get in touch. Time commitments are entirely up to you or your organization. Above all, we value your ideas. If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to contact Brian Finlay (bfinlay@stimson.org) or Nate Olson (nolson@stimson.org).
Why would participation in the working groups be beneficial to my business, trade association, etc.?
Fundamentally, the project is about leveraging the business community's self-interest. To the extent that you make your concerns and interests known, the project results will be more representative of the complex range of factors shaping industry behavior.
I am not located near Washington, DC. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. Stimson is happy to work with you or your organization remotely. Also, Task Force members and project staff travel frequently, so in-person meetings or public events in other locations are always a possibility. Again, we encourage you to be in touch if you have an idea or want to be involved with meetings or events in your area.