Publication

This brief argues that IAEA safeguards, which are part of the compliance requirements of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), should not be seen as a bilateral matter between the IAEA and whatever state it is dealing with. Indeed, both parties have responsibilities toward other states and even international institutions. Additionally, the brief argues that the IAEA safeguards should not be defined too narrowly or legalistically. Such an approach deprives them of their essential confidence building functions and the benefits they provide.