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Blockchain Applications for Nuclear Safeguards

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Blockchain for International Security

Abstract

This chapter discusses the benefits and challenges of using distributed ledger technology (DLT) for international nuclear safeguards purposes. The chapter introduces the international safeguards system and the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The chapter describes the evolution of the safeguards system, the IAEA’s core functions, and the technical objectives it seeks to achieve. The chapter explains the benefits and drawbacks of deploying DLT for safeguards and presents potential use cases where the technology could be deployed. It ends with a description of the international community’s current perspectives on deployment.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The type of safeguards agreement a State signs is determined by its status under the NPT. Non-nuclear weapons state (NNWS) parties to the NPT, or States that did not detonate a nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967, are required to conclude a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA), which places all nuclear material and facilities under safeguards [4]. Nuclear weapons state (NWS) parties to the NPT, or States that had detonated nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967, may sign a Voluntary Offer Agreement (VOA). Non-NPT signatories may sign an item-specific safeguards agreement [2, 5, 6]. States that have signed a VOA or item-specific safeguards agreement agree to place selected materials and facilities under safeguards. Finally, a State may also choose to sign an additional protocol (AP) to its safeguards agreement which affords the IAEA expanded information about a States’ nuclear activities and better tools to detect undeclared activities [6, 7].

  2. 2.

    Due to a well-established zero or near-zero real growth pressure on the Agency’s regular budget, coupled with increasing responsibilities and other budgetary requests, the IAEA remains underfunded to perform its normative functions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Global Security Technology and Policy Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, WA, USA

    Sarah Frazar

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  1. Sarah Frazar
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Correspondence to Sarah Frazar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stimson Center, Washington, DC, USA

    Cindy Vestergaard

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory or the United States.

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Frazar, S. (2021). Blockchain Applications for Nuclear Safeguards. In: Vestergaard, C. (eds) Blockchain for International Security. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86240-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86240-4_3

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