Stimson, a nonpartisan policy research centre located in Washington, D.C., has just published a report titled “Re-Energizing Nuclear Security”. The report summarises current and emerging trends in nuclear power worldwide, including the development of small modular reactors and new mechanisms for financing the enormous initial capital costs of nuclear power facilities. The report also addresses the initiatives and commitments taken by governments, civil society and the nuclear industry to increase security since the Nuclear Security Summit process concluded in 2016.
At the end of the Summit process, five international organisations were given the responsibility to maintain the integrity of the global security architecture: the United Nations, the IAEA, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership).
Although much progress has been made, many challenges remain, including political and bureaucratic hurdles to improving security, growing cyber vulnerabilities, and the potential for insider threat against critical infrastructures. Furthermore, confusion still exists about how to turn outstanding commitments into measurable, impactful actions within a reasonable timeframe.
This report proposes several recommendations that would bring relevant stakeholders together–outside of an official high-level convening–to refocus attention on nuclear security and identify pragmatic steps that can be taken to resolve the challenges that remain.
Click here for more information and to download the report.
