THE NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT PROCESS, 2009-2012: AN INSIDER’S VIEWS OF THE PROCESS AND THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED

In April 2009, US President Obama launched an initiative with the aim of securing all nuclear materials within a four years period. Three years later, there have been two Summits and a number of preparatory meetings for these Summits in order to address and further nuclear security. This text and the ensuing presentation is based on a participant's observations and personal views and will look at the achievements from the Summits in Washington in 2010 and in Seoul in 2012 and try to summarize the accomplishments and the progress made as concerns nuclear security. Moreover, attention will also be paid to the remaining challenges as well as the benefits and side-benefits from the Summits and the significance the two Summits and the entire process is likely to have for the future of non-proliferation and nuclear security.