Book Description

Congressional dissatisfaction with the policies and management of United States Security Assistance programs has led to several legislative actions in the past 15 years. The culminating legislation was the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976. The thesis presents an overview of the world's arm market and examines the U.S. activities in this market. Numerous trends in the U.S. activity which contributed to congressional concern are explored as are several objectionable practices which have become associated with this trade. Legislation in the period 1961 through 1974 is examined to demonstrate congressional efforts at controlling Security Assistance programs prior to legislating the Act of 1976. The provisions of the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 are analyzed and the rationale for several of these provisions is included. The initial impact of the Act as it relates to the Congress, Carter Admininistration, Departments of State and Defense, and industry are indicated. Conclusions are drawn concerning the potential for Security Assistance programs to continue as a tool of American foreign policy.