A New Nuclear World Order: Safety, Security and Safeguards

Nuclear safety, security and safeguards are inseparable ‘triplets’ that have synergetic effects on one another. Nuclear incidents can range from accidents with localized radiological impact to large-scale nuclear terrorist attacks that can jolt nation’s economy, security and psychology in ways that extend far beyond the mere physical fallout. The nuclear disaster at Fukushima in March 2011 demonstrated the limitations of international safety monitoring mechanisms. While the actual responsibility for nuclear safety relies with individual states, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Safety and Security Standards should be enhanced, and every effort should be made to secure them as compliant standard. The Action Plan on Nuclear Safety that the IAEA crafted after the Fukushima disaster is an important step in that direction. But there is still work to be done. In the area of nuclear security, a more transparent international mechanisms need to be developed. The 2013/14 reports of the Nuclear Threat Initiative demonstrate the need for ongoing efforts to enhance nuclear security. As for the nuclear non-proliferation, the major issues are: the escalation of North Korea’s nuclear programme; the international community’s continued deep concerns about the nature of Iran’s nuclear activities; as well as unresolved questions about Syria’s nuclear dossier. In all of these cases, the IAEA has had difficulties obtaining the access and cooperation it needs in order to verify the scope and content of these countries’ respective nuclear programmes.

“A New Nuclear World Order: Safety, Security and Safeguards” in Die Zwischengesellschaft, written by Senior Fellow Olli Heinonen, reviews in detail measures to strengthen nuclear safety, security and safeguards to support states in developing and using nuclear energy in a safe, secure and peaceful manner.

The full text of this chapter may be downloaded below.