Publication

This brief examines efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen nuclear safeguards through what was originally known as the '93+2' program. The paper concludes that progress has been modest, and that much work remains. The author urges governments to speed up the adoption and implementation of the Additional Protocols so as to ensure cradle-to-grave information on, and monitoring of, peaceful nuclear programmes. This will prevent states from using nuclear safeguards as a cover for illicit nuclear weapons programs. The paper also discusses ways to achieve more efficient use of limited verification resources, and to avoid over-verification of states that pose no threat to the non-proliferation regime.