Safeguarding the Atom: A Critical Appraisal

Safeguards play a crucial role in verifying the effectiveness of nuclear weapons restraints. This book, originally published in 1985, focuses on the politics of safeguards, including the IAEA's political problems and the day-to-day application of safeguards. It offers a critical appraisal and proposals for improving procedures and adapting them to recent political and technological changes. The book examines the effectiveness of IAEA safeguards, their reinforcement, and the potential sanctions for non-compliance. It also explores the applicability of safeguards to other arms control measures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Safeguards play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Originally published in 1985, this book offers a comprehensive study of the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards system, which is a vital component of the global non-proliferation regime. Breaking new ground, it delves into the politics of safeguards, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by the IAEA and the practical implementation of safeguards on a day-to-day basis. The book provides a critical appraisal of existing procedures and offers innovative proposals for improving and adapting them to the political and technological changes of recent years.

Safeguarding the Atom addresses a range of critical questions:

What are IAEA safeguards and how do they function?
How effective are they in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons?
How can their effectiveness be further reinforced?
What penalties or sanctions can be imposed in the event of non-compliance with IAEA safeguards?

The IAEA safeguards represent the world's first and, to date, the only systematic on-site inspection mechanism designed to verify the implementation of an arms control agreement. The book examines the applicability of IAEA safeguards to other arms control measures and explores their potential for broader application in the future.

In conclusion, Safeguarding the Atom is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of nuclear non-proliferation and the role of safeguards in ensuring global security. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the IAEA safeguards system and its political dimensions, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with nuclear disarmament and arms control.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515997