Year
2007
Abstract
the exponential development of the digital world, both in the professional and private arenas, and the even more spectacular development of telecommunications and associated portable devices. But maybe nowhere else than in the area of international security has the need for extended data collection, advanced information evaluation and analysis, and proper dissemination of pertinent knowledge be more demanding, in front of the challenges identified at the end of the 20th century. Over the years, Safeguards verification has developed an information-based approach that is embedded in the definition of today’s Integrated Safeguards. However, more progress is needed to ensure the mastering of that complex raw material called “information” and to make sure that all aspects of it benefit from the technological breakthroughs. This article will review the progress made from the early days of nuclear verification, review lessons learned from the weaknesses observed through the decades, and propose additional steps to ensure that, as often stated by its Director General, the “IAEA remains ahead of the game”.