[devrandomguy]

So, why don't we have these restrictions in Canada, Japan or Europe? Many countries have advanced aerospace programs. The only reason that I can see for those export regulations to exist, is because eliminating them would require effort and PR risk on the part of politicians.

[rtkwe]

ITAR is a little old so it's a bit crufty from a different time. But also I'd be shocked if ESA, JAXA, and CSA were completely open.