战略与国际研究中心-US-Arms-Transfer-Policy_-Shaping-the-Way-Ahead_32页_510kb

U.S. Arms Transfer Policy: Shaping the Way Ahead

Core Content

The event, titled "U.S. Arms Transfer Policy: Shaping the Way Ahead", was hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, in Washington, D.C. It featured remarks and a panel discussion with senior U.S. government officials and industry experts, focusing on the Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) Policy and its implementation.

The CAT Policy, introduced in April 2018, is a key component of the National Security Strategy (NSS) and National Defense Strategy (NDS), aiming to align U.S. arms exports with national security and economic interests. It is designed to expand opportunities for American defense industry, create jobs, and ensure the responsible export of military equipment.

Main Points

1. Policy Objectives

• Preserve peace through strength by reforming regulations to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. defense exports.
• Strengthen partners and allies through strategic military sales.
• Support U.S. economic security and innovation.
• Uphold human rights and nonproliferation objectives.

2. Implementation Plan

The national implementation plan was submitted on July 13, 2018, and is based on three key lines of effort:

• Prioritizing strategic and economic competition: Shift from a reactive to proactive posture in arms transfers to better support U.S. interests and influence in key regions.
• Organizing for success: Streamline and improve the efficiency of the arms transfer process within the executive branch.
• Creating conducive environments: Engage with Congress, industry, and international partners to foster a favorable environment for U.S. defense trade.

3. Key Reforms

• Streamlining ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) to improve export efficiency.
• Revising the U.S. Munitions List and Commerce Control List.
• Improving contracting processes within the Department of Defense.
• Enhancing exportability in the design and development of defense systems.
• Supporting non-program-of-record systems through increased advocacy and financing options.
• Reducing lead times by increasing production capacity and addressing restrictive offset policies.

4. Human Rights and Nonproliferation

• The CAT Policy requires evaluation of human rights risks associated with arms sales.
• No arms will be sold if they are likely to be used in gross human rights violations.
• The U.S. proactively engages with partners to reduce civilian casualties and improve human rights conduct in military operations.
• Nonproliferation remains a priority, balancing the need to provide defensive capabilities while limiting the spread of advanced weaponry and regional imbalances.

Key Information

• U.S. arms exports have seen significant growth, with $41.9 billion in government-to-government sales and $112 billion in direct commercial sales in fiscal year 2017.
• These exports support over 2.4 million jobs in the U.S. defense industry.
• The State Department, through the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, plays a central role in the development and implementation of the CAT Policy.
• The White House Office of Trade & Manufacturing Policy and Department of Defense are also key players in the interagency effort.
• Stakeholder engagement is a central component of the policy development and implementation process, involving industry, civil society, and Congress.
• The implementation plan is part of a broader government-wide initiative to streamline and modernize the arms transfer process.

Strategic Context

The policy reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing economic and military competition with adversaries, and enhancing U.S. influence through defense sales. The U.S. government is positioning itself as the leading advocate for American defense exports, with a clear commitment to economic diplomacy and national security.

Conclusion

The CAT Policy and its implementation plan represent a significant step toward modernizing U.S. arms transfer procedures, supporting domestic industry, and strengthening alliances. The State Department, in collaboration with the White House and defense industry, is working to ensure that arms exports are both strategically and economically beneficial to the United States while upholding ethical and security standards.

The discussion set the stage for a comprehensive dialogue on how the U.S. can better leverage its defense exports to support national interests, promote stability, and drive innovation in the global marketplace.