9/11 has illustrated the vulnerability of the American territory to exterior attacks. The National Security Strategy of September 2002 deals with a number of topics, and especially with the interconnection of radicalism and technology. WMD, non governmental actors, Rogue States are especially targeted. As a means of threat prevention, preemptive actions may be deemed necessary. This new strategy breaks with deterrence, extending the already-used concept of limited preemptive strikes towards more developed actions, encompassing regime change by coercion. Such a doctrine is in opposition with the current international rules related to the use of armed force, and could lead to similar practices by other States on the basis of their own national interests. Would it not be better to consider multilateral strategies regarding conflict prevention, WMD acquisition and their use by terrorists groups ? – Summary AFRI-2004