Export controls: Providing security in a volatile environment

Major changes in the world economy such as the demise of the Communist bloc, the increased foreign availability of high technology products, and the rapid dissemination of information and innovation, have resulted in a decrease in support for export controls by the policy and business communities. Nevertheless, export controls continue to constitute an important policy arrow in the quiver of national foreign policy instruments. The foundation of a new, multilateral export control regime is discussed, with major emphasis placed on the development of strong national security controls and the structuring of a foreign policy control system that can be brought to bear expeditiously without imposing an undue competitive burden on businesses.