Public Service Innovators -- Ken Juster, MPP/JD '80 Leading at the Intersection of Business and Security

As under secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau for Industry and Security (BIS), Ken Juster MPP/JD '80 has spent the last three and a half years walking the fine line between facilitating trade in U.S. goods and technologies with both commercial and military uses, and ensuring that these sensitive items do not fall into the hands of those who would do us harm.

"Trade and security are more closely intertwined than ever before," Juster said. "September 11 woke us up to the fact that we all live in a world in which we must enhance security in order to ensure prosperity. Legitimate trade can only flourish if it is built on a foundation of security."

In his role at BIS, Juster takes a multi-faceted approach. Domestically, his department focuses on streamlining the list of controlled items and the process for licensing them, while strengthening its capabilities for enforcing relevant laws and regulations.

"Yet because the problem of weapons proliferation is global, the only effective means to stop it must be global as well," he said. "Therefore, the United States also works with other countries to strengthen export controls worldwide. Export controls should be seen not as an obstacle to trade, but as a pathway, with a fence around the perimeter of the path."

One project, in particular, that Juster has spearheaded is the Commerce Department's Transshipment Country Export Control Initiative which involves working with the world's major trading hubs, such as Panama, to develop laws and capabilities to stop illegal transshipments of dangerous items through their territory.

Juster has also been one of the architects of the Bush Administration's Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) with India. The NSSP is a framework for cooperation on civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, and high-technology trade. Juster was a driving force in the completion of the first phase of this initiative to reduce barriers to trade while strengthening security measures. In addition, he co-chairs with India's Foreign Secretary the U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group, which, in conjunction with the NSSP, is designed to reduce barriers to trade while strengthening security.

Juster has focused on international relations throughout his career. From 1989 to 1992, he served as the deputy and senior adviser to Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, and then as Counselor of the State Department from 1992 to 1993. Both before and after his time at the State Department, Juster practiced international law with the firm of Arnold & Porter. He was appointed to his current position at the Commerce Department in May 2001.

"I have been fortunate, in my public and private capacities, to be in a position to grapple with these challenges and, hopefully, to have a positive impact on the course of events," he said.