Review

IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective

Volume: 9 Number: 2 September 4, 2025
TR EN

IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective

Abstract

Since 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expanded its role in nuclear security. While it was only intended to focus on promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with safeguards implementation to prevent nuclear proliferation, its mandate has, in time, evolved to address the emerging threats to nuclear technology, i.e., nuclear terrorism and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. In this historical perspective, the article analyses the development of the IAEA's nuclear security framework. Over time, there have been key points, such as the need for physical protection in the 1970s and the establishment of comprehensive security measures after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Currently, the IAEA's nuclear security program consists of guidance, training, and international cooperation efforts, which are only available upon the request of Member States. More recently, it has expanded its nuclear security efforts to provide technical assistance and monitor nuclear safety and security in conflict zones. However, this expansion has not been easy for the IAEA as it has challenges such as funding limitations and the tension between national sovereignty and international oversight. Ultimately, the IAEA's nuclear security role as the global platform shows its critical importance in enhancing international efforts to mitigate nuclear security threats. However, while the IAEA has made important progress in nuclear security, structural and political limitations constrain its effectiveness.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Ethical Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Thanks

None

References

  1. [1] IAEA, Objective and Essential Elements of a State’s Nuclear Security Regime, IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2013.
  2. [2] F.P. Joseph, An interview with the Director General, in: F.P. Joseph (Ed.), The International Atomic Energy Agency: Historical Reflections, Current Challenges and Future Prospects, Routledge, Oxford, 2021, pp. 13-24.
  3. [3] F.P. Joseph, Introduction, in: F.P. Joseph (Ed.), The International Atomic Energy Agency: Historical Reflections, Current Challenges and Future Prospects, Routledge, Oxford, 2021, pp. 1-12.
  4. [4] B. Baruch, Statement of United States Policy, presented to the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC) by U.S. Representative, 1946.
  5. [5] A.S. Gill, Nuclear Security Summits: A History, Cham, Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland, 2019.
  6. [6] IAEA, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5), IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 13, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2011.
  7. [7] M.A. Alkış, Nuclear Security and Nuclear Security Culture: An Overview, Journal of Nuclear Sciences 8 (2022) 17-21. https://doi.org/10.1501/nuclear.2023.58
  8. [8] P.d. Klerk, How nuclear security arrived at the IAEA, in: F.P. Joseph (Ed.), The International Atomic Energy Agency: Historical Reflections, Current Challenges and Future Prospects, Routledge, Oxford, 2021, pp. 189-201.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nuclear Sciences , Nuclear Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

July 22, 2025

Publication Date

September 4, 2025

Submission Date

January 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2022 Volume: 9 Number: 2

APA
Alkış, M. A., & Sökmen Alaca, A. İ. (2025). IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective. Journal of Nuclear Sciences, 9(2), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.63
AMA
1.Alkış MA, Sökmen Alaca Aİ. IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2025;9(2):17-22. doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.63
Chicago
Alkış, Muhammed Ali, and Aşkın İnci Sökmen Alaca. 2025. “IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 9 (2): 17-22. https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.63.
EndNote
Alkış MA, Sökmen Alaca Aİ (September 1, 2025) IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 9 2 17–22.
IEEE
[1]M. A. Alkış and A. İ. Sökmen Alaca, “IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective”, Journal of Nuclear Sciences, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 17–22, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.59474/nuclear.2023.63.
ISNAD
Alkış, Muhammed Ali - Sökmen Alaca, Aşkın İnci. “IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 9/2 (September 1, 2025): 17-22. https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.63.
JAMA
1.Alkış MA, Sökmen Alaca Aİ. IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2025;9:17–22.
MLA
Alkış, Muhammed Ali, and Aşkın İnci Sökmen Alaca. “IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences, vol. 9, no. 2, Sept. 2025, pp. 17-22, doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.63.
Vancouver
1.Muhammed Ali Alkış, Aşkın İnci Sökmen Alaca. IAEA and Nuclear Security: An Evolutionary Perspective. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2025 Sep. 1;9(2):17-22. doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.63