Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Ballistic Missiles: a Case Study of Iran

Iran is known to have programs for the acquisition of ballistic missiles of increasing range and for various weapons capable of mass destruction. Foreign assistance has helped these programs substantially. Iran is a case study of how a country can acquire such capabilities without having to resort to the more difficult and time consuming process of indigenous development. This thesis examines the transfer of technology and components for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles to Iran by Russia, China, and North Korea, and their motivations for this proliferation. It also examines the implications of this proliferation for American interests and for American relations with Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. Finally, it examines U.S. responses to this proliferation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Geurts, Stephen

Contributors dc:contributor

• William Van Cleave

• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Stephen Geurts

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/704

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1705