United States export controls: The ethical balance between national security and the flow of commerce

Is it possible to regulate and control the export of licensable, United States' manufactured commodities in an ethical manner which maintains national security, but at the same time allows the United States to stay competitive in the global market? This thesis will explore what gives the United States the right to restrict its exports, define what the current export restrictions are and how they function, and then briefly explain globalization and how it plays into this subject. Case studies will be presented which exemplify how violating US laws could possibly weaken national security. Also, investigate how has the world changed in the past century with regards to Nongovernmental Organizations aiding in trade related economics. Lastly, as a unique alternative view, the ethical thinking into this dilemma will stem from a look at some of western philosophy's most popular thinkers and apply their ethical viewpoints to the problem of export control.;The procedure for understanding the multifaceted dynamics of United States export controls calls for a thorough evaluation of a wide array of subject matters. The basic framework which puts the context of export controls into focus is a study of international relations theory. After all, export controls are a subset of the international relations topic. The modern theories related to the interaction between nations, both positive and negative will be addressed. Then by presenting how the modern world is interconnected through globalization, the thesis will lead into the introduction of an overview of US export procedures and regulations. Specific case study examples will be cited to give the reader real-world examples of how once US export laws are violated, the violator, companies involved, and national security are affected. There will also be an examination of the benefits of free trade from an economic perspective. Organizations that facilitate trade, while also providing a forum to arbitrate complaints against nations in violation of agreed upon trade regulations, will be studied. Finally, Western philosophical thinking, to include modern thinkers such as John Stuart Mill will illuminate the topic by using his theory of justice to analyze how an ethical nation should conduct itself.;The resounding message repeated over and over again from all of the disciplines examined pushes for strong global interaction between countries with a heavy emphasis on free trade. International relations theory indicates that past attempts by nations to isolate themselves from the world have caused more harm than the projectionist goal it looked to achieve. Although the United States has set forth regulations limiting the export of certain licensable items, there is a sense that there is sufficient enforcement of these regulations with penalties such as imprisonment or severe fines ready to be levied upon violators of US law. With the implementation and creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), nations now have encouragement to engage in trade relations with other countries without much fear of being taken advantage of. If a less powerful nation feels wronged in the course of trade, there are mechanisms in place to dispute these claims by a neutral party. The WTO can then penalize the violating country in the way of fines leading to a more level playing field. Finally from a philosophical perspective, both John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant saw the benefits of trade. Whether from Kant's perspective of treating others how one would like to be treated and it is the morally right thing to do or from Mill's perspective which indicated that even stronger nations need trade in order to continue flourishing.;The lessons learned from the examination are that not only is being an interactive member in world trade a desirable goal, but a necessary goal. The United States is succeeding in this goal on many fronts. It has an open trade policy with the majority of the nations of the world, with small exceptions, namely countries such as Iran and Cuba. A very small portion of what the United States can export is restricted making the vast majority free from regulation, thus easing the flow of commerce. Even those items that are restricted can be exported so long as the proper license for export is attained. The United States' economy would not be a leader in the global community without its largely free trade outlook. As long as this path is continued, the US will only increase its leadership in trade relations with the benefits clearly seen not only in its citizens, but all of the world's populace. In order for one nation to succeed, all must succeed.