Why the Lack of Academic Literature on Export Controls

Why the Lack of Academic Literature on Export Controls?Tibor KremicNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationGlenn Research CenterCleveland, Ohio 44135AbstractExport controls is currently a relevant and dynamic topic. Given the growth of global operationsand the high-tech nature of many products, an increase in awareness and understanding of theimpacts of export controls are necessary. A structured approach to export controls has been inexistence since 1949. Despite over 50 years of history, surprisingly little academic research andliterature exists on the topic. This paper explores the current export control environment andexplores possible reasons for the limited academic interest. Five possible reasons are discussed:(1) dynamic nature of the topic, (2) difficulty in ensuring accurate data, (3) complexity of theproblem, (4) relatively small economic impact, and (5) sensitive information. A researchapproach is recommended that considers these potential obstacles.BackgroundExport controls is currently a very charged and dynamic topic. In the broadest sense, exportcontrol is considered as actions taken to limit the diffusion of certain technologies or products toforeign entities. Export control, as further discussed in this paper, is defined more precisely asthe regulatory restrictions placed on domestic individuals or entities in order to limit the flow ofspecified products, technologies, and capabilities to undesired foreign entities.The concept of protecting advantageous from potential enemies has existed for centuries. 6The competitive and sometimes adversarial nature of man and the need for self-preservationhave resulted in a security anxiety among people and their governments. Following World War1I, the U.S. government has pursued a systematic and arguably organized approach to controllingtechnologies that it perceives as providing a national security advantage. With the establishmentof NATO in 1949, and the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (CoCom), lexport controls became an international regulatory topic. Allied nations have since sought toindividually protect their national security and collectively partner to withhold advancedcapability from non allied nations, particularly those following aggressive military and terroristpolicies.Identification and control of technologies important to national security has become increasinglydifficult with the remarkable growth of knowledge in technical fields such as electronics andmicroprocessors, 2 software, chemicals/materials, systems integration, communication, aerospace,bioengineering, and others. Modifications to export control policy are occurring more and more2frequently. Currently, reviews of existing regulations are required every 6 months for high-performance computing (HPC) controls. 3 This, again, is a reflection of the rapid growth oftechnology.NASA/TM--2001-210982 1