Counterproliferation refers to
diplomatic,
intelligence, and
military efforts to combat the proliferation of
weapons, including both
weapons of mass destruction (WMD), long-range missiles, and certain
conventional weapons.
Nonproliferation and
arms control are related terms. In contrast to nonproliferation, which focuses on diplomatic, legal and administrative measures to dissuade and impede the acquisition of such weapons, counter-proliferation focuses on intelligence, law enforcement, and sometimes military action to prevent their acquisition.
