Proliferation Security Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)?The PSI builds on existing mechanisms to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, consistent with national authorities and relevant international law. The PSI complements and reinforces other national and international non-proliferation efforts, including export control regimes.
Who is leading the PSI?
The PSI is an informal arrangement between like-minded countries. It does not have an overarching treaty, organisation or headquarters. Its strength is its focus on practical action against WMD proliferation.
PSI participating countries agree to cooperate, as required and as is practical in a given situation and to act within national and international law. To integrate and benchmark operational capability, participating countries have conducted numerous exercises, such as Australia's PACIFIC PROTECTOR, 03 PACIFIC PROTECTOR 06 and PACIFIC PROTECTOR ’10.
What is the Statement of Interdiction Principles?
The Statement of Interdiction Principles is a set of commitments by which PSI-supporting countries can establish a more coordinated and effective basis through which to impede and stop shipments of WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. All PSI participants have endorsed the Statement of Interdiction Principles and encourage other states to do so.
The Statement of Interdiction Principles is available at http://www.dfat.gov.au.
Are PSI exercises designed to send any particular country a message?
The PSI is a global initiative. PSI interdiction exercises occur regularly and are not aimed against any specific country or non-state actor.
Is there a blacklist of states of concern?
No. The PSI aims to help prevent trafficking in WMD by any state or group engaged in or supporting WMD proliferation programmes, anywhere in the world.
Do PSI activities comply with international and national law?
All PSI participating countries have made an undertaking, by endorsing the Statement of Interdiction Principles, to act only within international law and national law. The PSI itself does not grant authority to conduct interdictions. This is clearly understood by all PSI participating nations.
Will other countries join the PSI?
The PSI is not an organisation countries "join", but rather, a framework for activities. Countries can participate in the PSI in a variety of ways, such as by stating their support for the Statement of Interdiction Principles (SIP) agreed in Paris in September 2003. The SIP outlines the core objectives and operational measures of the PSI. 96 countries have indicated their support for PSI since its inception in 2003. Countries can attend PSI Exercises as participants or observers, send delegations to PSI regional workshops or meetings, and develop their national capabilities for interdicting illicit shipments.
Will the PSI affect legitimate dual-use commerce?
No - quite the contrary. The PSI may help foster legitimate commerce. Co-operation to stop proliferation should facilitate legitimate trade by increasing confidence in that trade. Private industries benefit from measures to exclude from legitimate international commerce those who exploit international trade routes and practices.
How does PSI relate to other non-proliferation regimes?
The PSI complements existing counter proliferation treaties and measures, such as export control regimes. It does not replace other non-proliferation mechanisms, but builds on them by fostering the development of operational mechanisms against proliferators who try to evade these regimes. In the words of the previous UN Secretary General Annan, the PSI helps to "fill a gap in our defences".