Match or Mismatch?: Comparing Formal Requests and Offers for Assistance in Border and Export Controls

Abstract

This study assesses how well formal requests to the 1540 Committee for border and export control assistance match with assistance projects and programs. ¹Aspects of this study’s analysis and methodological approach are based upon Richard T. Cupitt’s paper titled “Assistance for Preventing WMD Proliferation: The Challenge of Effectively Matching Offers and Requests for Assistance” presented at the Joint Meeting of the International Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association and the International Security and Arms Control Division of the American Political Science Association from October 13-14, 2017 at American University in Washington D.C. The article begins by reviewing typical challenges in effectively creating partnerships between states seeking assistance with states, IGOs, and NGOs offering it. Next, the authors outline key collections of assistance information and how they are insufficient in delivering a comprehensive picture of the assistance process. Thereafter, this study examines a current project called the Assistance Support Initiative and explains how it is a unique and valuable tool to the process of assistance. After outlining its methodology for collecting and analyzing data, this study compares data on border and export control assistance projects and programs with data on formal requests to the 1540 Committee for such assistance. To explore this relationship, data has been collected from two assistance sources—the 1540 Committee’s Requests for Assistance website and the Henry L. Stimson Center’s Assistance Support Initiative (ASI) database. In closing, this study provides some lessons learned on what data may reveal about the border and export control assistance process.

Read the full paper in the Strategic Trade Review Journal.

Notes

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  Aspects of this study’s analysis and methodological approach are based upon Richard T. Cupitt’s paper titled “Assistance for Preventing WMD Proliferation: The Challenge of Effectively Matching Offers and Requests for Assistance” presented at the Joint Meeting of the International Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association and the International Security and Arms Control Division of the American Political Science Association from October 13-14, 2017 at American University in Washington D.C.