ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY’S SAFEGUARDS SYSTEM

Year
2013
Author(s)
Dunbar Lockwood - National Nuclear Security Administration
Mark Goodman - U.S. Department of State
Mark Goodman - U.S. Department of State
J. Stephen Adams, Ph.D. - U.S. Department of State
J. Stephen Adams, Ph.D. - U.S. Department of State
Adam Scheinman - National Nuclear Security Administration
Mark W. Goodman, PhD. - U.S. Department of State
Adam Scheinman - U.S. Department of State
Abstract
In order to be prepared for the challenges ahead, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) needs to improve its capabilities to apply effective and efficient safeguards at declared nuclear facilities, as well as to investigate potential and actual undeclared nuclear activities. President Obama recognized this fact when he called for “more resources and authority” for the IAEA in his April 5, 2009, speech in Prague. In general, the IAEA can improve its safeguards system by encouraging broader adherence to comprehensive safeguards agreements, modified small quantities protocols, and the Additional Protocol (AP), as well as by making more robust use of its existing safeguards authorities. This paper makes several general recommendations for strengthening the nonproliferation regime, especially through the improvement of the IAEA’s safeguards system.