Bureau of Nonproliferation

One of the highest foreign policy and national security priorities of the United States is preventing the spread of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. Secretary Rice has delegated to Arms Control Assistant Secretary Stephen Rademaker the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation. The Bureau of Nonproliferation gives a  new emphasis to a broad range of efforts to curb proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and advanced conventional weapons. 

The Nonproliferation Bureau leads U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons) and their missile delivery systems; to secure nuclear materials in the states of the former Soviet Union; and to promote nuclear safety and the protection of nuclear materials worldwide. It also leads U.S. efforts to promote responsibility, transparency, and restraint in international transfers of conventional arms and sensitive dual-use technology. The Bureau has primary responsibility for leadership in the interagency process for nonproliferation issues; leads major nonproliferation negotiations and discussions with other countries; and participates in all nonproliferation-related dialogues.