Nuclear Security: Addressing Critical Challenges to Securing Critical Infrastructure

In the next decade, both the first and developing worlds will face difficult decisions with regard to critical infrastructure security. Security creates stability, and economic success depends on a stable environment. In particular, securing a country's critical infrastructure is necessary to create stability to foster economic success. In the age of terrorism (and in the United States, deregulation) security requirements must carry the force of law to adequately protect critical infrastructure. In the United States, the nuclear security requirements constitute a framework that can be emulated, though systematic improvements could be made. Nuclear security requirements carry the force of law, though the same is not true for other critical infrastructure sectors. A balance can be struck to achieve the security necessary while minimizing the economic impacts on the private companies who own and operate the infrastructure. Here, the adage, \"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,\" truly applies. The challenge is that a security program is like an insurance policy that industry does not want, but in every natural disaster or major terrorist attack, the American people pay the bill. Internationally, according to the World Nuclear Association, over 50 countries have signaled interest or are pursuing nuclear programs. It is critical that every program under consideration, if realized, remains exclusively for peaceful purposes. Many of these potential-nuclear countries have not achieved many of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (the Goals), which intend to raise the standard of living in the developing world. Nuclear security is the cornerstone to achieving the Goals. Through the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United States is in a unique position to lead the effort to ensure any new nuclear programs remain safe and secure.