UNSCR 1540 and Indirect Proliferation Financing

UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1540 has played a significant role over the past two decades in curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by non-State actors. However, its effectiveness is hampered by a lack of clarity and specificity in addressing the financing of WMD proliferation, particularly indirect financing through, for example, the trade of luxury goods. To enhance the resolution’s impact, it is crucial to address these ambiguities, expand the scope of proliferation finance in the context of UNSCR 1540, and strengthen international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives.