Dual-use Technology

Dual-use Technology

Dual use goods are products and technologies normally used for civilian purposes but which may have military applications.

-European Commision, Trade Topics, Dual Use

Dual-use is a term often used in politics and diplomacy to refer to technology which can be used for both peaceful and military aims. When encountered it is most often used in reference weapon of mass destruction, e.g. the proliferation of nuclear weapons, weaponisation of chemical and biological technologies (bioweapons) and rocket technology.

More generally speaking, dual-use can also refer to any technology which can satisfy more than one goal at any given time. Thus, expensive technologies which would otherwise only serve military purposes can also be utilized to benefit civilian commercial interests when not otherwise engaged such as the Global Positioning System.