Nuclear Safeguards And The International Atomic Energy Agency

The 1990s saw significant developments in the global non-proliferation landscape, resulting in a new period of safeguards development. The current publication, which is the second revision and update of IAEA/NVS/1, is intended to give a full and balanced description of the safeguards techniques and equipment used for nuclear material accountancy, containment and surveillance measures, environmental sampling, and data security. New features include a section on new and novel technologies. As new verification measures continue to be developed, the material in this book will be reviewed periodically and updated versions issued.

From the dawn of the nuclear age, nuclear power has been recognized as a 'dual-use' technology. The same nuclear reactions that give bombs the destructive force of many thousands of tons of high explosive can, when harnessed in a controlled fashion, produce energy for peaceful purposes. The challenge for the international nuclear nonproliferation regime-the collection of policies, treaties, and institutions intended to stem the spread of nuclear weapons-is to prevent nuclear proliferation while at the same time permitting nuclear energy's peaceful applications to be realized. One of the key institutions involved in meeting these two objectives is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international organization created in 1957 as a direct outgrowth of president Eisenhower's 'Atoms for Peace' program. The IAEA Statute, which creates the legal framework for the agency, charges it to 'accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world.' At the same time, it gives the agency the authority to enter into so-called safeguards agreements with individual nations or groups of nations to ensure that nuclear materials, equipment, or facilities are not used to produce nuclear weapons. The IAEA's mission and its safeguards responsibilities were extended with the enactment in 1970 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (also known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT). The Treaty requires non-nuclear-weapon states that are parties to the accord to enter into safeguards agreements with the IAEA covering all nuclear materials on their territory (e.g., uranium and plutonium, whether in forms directly usable for weapons or forms that require additional processing before becoming usable in weapons).

Analyzes the role of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), which has primary responsibility for verifying compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty & preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Analyzes what IAEA safeguards can & cannot be expected to accomplish, identifies areas where they might be broadened & improved, & presents options for doing so. Photos, charts & tables.

This publication is the second in the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series to provide guidance on the inclusion of safeguards in nuclear facility design and construction. It is principally intended for designers and operators of nuclear reactor facilities; however, vendors, national authorities and financial backers can also benefit from the information provided. It is introductory rather than comprehensive in nature, complementing the Guidance for States Implementing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols, IAEA Services Series No. 21, and other publications in that series. The publication complements the general considerations addressed in International Safeguards in Nuclear Facility Design and Construction, IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NP-T-2.8.

This open access book traces the journey of nuclear law: its origins, how it has developed, where it is now, and where it is headed. As a discipline, this highly specialized body of law makes it possible for us to benefit from the life-saving applications of nuclear science and technology, including diagnosing cancer as well as avoiding and mitigating the effects of climate change. This book seeks to give readers a glimpse into the future of nuclear law, science and technology. It intends to provoke thought and discussion about how we can maximize the benefits and minimize the risks inherent in nuclear science and technology. This compilation of essays presents a global view in discipline as well as in geography. The book is aimed at representatives of governments -- including regulators, policymakers and lawmakers -- as well representatives of international organizations and the legal and insurance sectors. It will be of interest to all those keen to better understand the role of law in enabling the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology around the world. The contributions in this book are written by leading experts, including the IAEA's Director General, and discuss the four branches of nuclear law -- safety, security, safeguards and nuclear liability -- and the interaction of nuclear law with other fields of national and international law.

This volume offers a wide-ranging examination and discussion of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) past, present and future as it enters its seventh decade. Including contributions from leading experts across the globe, the book assesses the historical record of the IAEA; the issues and challenges it faces at present; and its future prospects. In doing so, it addresses the primary missions of the IAEA outlined in the IAEA’s statute, i.e., to safeguard and promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, as well as the missions over which it is expanding its mandate, including nuclear safety and security. The volume is divided into two parts: Part I focuses on historical recollections and reflections of participants in key events, ranging from a personal account of the initial negotiations of the IAEA to an account by its chairman on the dynamics of the Board of Governors in recent years. Part II covers current and future issues in the IAEA’s role in nuclear safeguards, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and nuclear safety and security. This book will be of much interest to students of nuclear proliferation and arms control, global governance and international security in general.

"This IAEA Nuclear Security Series publication provides nuclear security fundamentals, recommendations, and supporting guidance for Member States to assist them in implementing new nuclear security regimes, or in reviewing and if necessary strengthening existing ones. The IAEA Nuclear Security Series also serves as guidance for Member States with respect to their activities in relation to binding and non-binding international instruments. The Nuclear Security Fundamentals are the primary publication in the IAEA Nuclear Security Series, and set out the objective of an effective national nuclear security regime and essential elements of such a regime. They are aimed at national policy makers, legislative bodies, competent authorities, institutions, and individuals involved in the establishment, implementation, maintenance or sustainability of a State's nuclear security regime."--Provided by publisher.