Duaalikäyttöinen

Duaalikäyttöinen is a Finnish term that translates to "dual-use" in English. It refers to goods, technologies, or knowledge that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of international trade, security, and non-proliferation efforts.

The dual-use nature of certain items means that their export and transfer are often subject to strict regulations. Governments establish lists of dual-use items that require licensing or special authorization for export to prevent them from being diverted to weapons programs or other illicit activities. These lists typically cover a wide range of items, including advanced materials, chemicals, software, and specific types of equipment.

The challenge with dual-use items lies in distinguishing between legitimate civilian applications and potential military or proliferation risks. For example, a chemical compound used in industrial manufacturing could also be a precursor for chemical weapons. Similarly, advanced computing technology used for scientific research can also be employed in designing sophisticated weaponry. International agreements and national export control regimes aim to strike a balance between facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the spread of dangerous technologies. Monitoring and verifying the end-use of dual-use items are crucial components of these control systems.