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November 17, 2017

Discuss the role of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in balancing the benefits of nuclear technology for human development as against the safety and security threats posed by nuclear technology in the current scenario.

Refer – The Hindu

 

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KS Abhinav 6 years

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is considered as the nuclear watchdog of the United Nations as it promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology while ensuring that the nuclear power isn’t used for military purposes.

·        With a stress on replacing the use of fossil fuels with alternative energy sources, the use of nuclear energy will be indispensable. This brings with it the possibilities of disasters like the Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant especially in the countries where the culture of safety and public accountability is lacking.

·        World’s Nuclear Weapons States (NSWs) have flouted their disarmament obligation with impunity, other rouge states like North Korea have developed their nuclear programs. This should be seen as a failure of IAEA.

·        IAEA works on the nuclear research in fields like agriculture, industry and medicine and it shares its expertise among its members especially the developing countries. But, IAEA has also been criticized for preventing the transfer of nuclear know-how to developing countries.

IAEA has no authority to act on its own but relies on the cooperation of nations. With USA trying to sabotage the nuclear deal that was reached between Iran and P5+1 countries in 2015, IAEA will not be able to make a difference if countries do not understand the price of nuclear irresponsibility. 

IAS Parliament 6 years

Understanding is good. Try to add more recent examples.

IAS Parliament 6 years

KEY POINTS

·         The IAEA, widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization was created in 1957.

·         It has been created in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.

·         The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

Role of IAEA

·         The aim is to balance the benefits of nuclear technology for human development against the irreversible risks it poses to the planet’s survival.

Challenges

·         As the nuclear weapon states (NWSs) continue to flout their disarmament obligations, countries outside NWS felt encouraged to nurture their ambitions.

·         The possession of nuclear weapon by four other countries, besides the five nations that founded the NPT vindicates the impediments to restrict the use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes alone.

·         North Korea’s defiance, to expand the country’s weaponisation programme is the latest instance of erosion of the NPT’s authority.

·         U.S. President’s decision to rip apart the (JCPOA) Iran – P5+1 nuclear deal 2015, even after IAEA’s accreditation was another challenge.

·         Against this backdrop, the prospects are remote that the 2017 treaty to legally ban nuclear weapons could win support from the NWS.

·         IAEA member states have been slow to adopt measures to enhance the safety (from terrorist threats) of nuclear material transferred within and across national borders.

IAEAs efforts

·         IAEA brought countries to put sharp focus on management of nuclear waste.

·         IAEA stressed its member countries to incorporate lessons learnt from the 2011 accident at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant into their respective safety plans.

·         IAEA emphasised that countries could not outsource the safety and security framework on the deployment of nuclear technology.

·         Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material came into force in 2016 through IAEA’s efforts.

·         IAEAs efforts towards balancing the merits against the threats of nuclear technology were critical since the share of nuclear power is expected to increase as part of attempts to reduce countries’ dependence on fossil fuels. 

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