In this monograph, Dr. Mark R. Shulman offers a novel thesis to explain the value of an important new security initiative with considerable implications for the future use of force in operations other than war. While this initiative is still in its formative stages, it may eventually change the use of force paradigm in which military leaders and political decisionmakers operate. And despite its promise, no one has yet attempted a comprehensive analysis of it. Dr. Shulman's monograph draws on publicly available sources from governmental publications and press releases, the international news media, and think tank strategic analyses, as well the relevant historical materials. Based on this wide review of the literature, Dr. Shulman argues that the Proliferation Security Initiative is changing long-held international norms about the conditions for the use of force to ensure strategic objectives.