International Atomic Energy Agency & Nuclear Proliferation

TOPIC SPONSOR: AFTAC

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has historically been regarded as one of the world's foremost leaders in assuring the safe use of nuclear power and energy.  How has the organization's focus and charter changed over the last 60 years? Is the IAEA able to fully support the means necessary to assure a safe 21st century in light of increased conflict and new national aspirations to succeed as ancillary participants in an environment of great power competition? Have the political decisions of the U.S. on JCPOA, and other partner nations' messaging on potential Iranian nuclearization marginalized or otherwise compromised the global value of the IAEA?  Can the IAEA reassert itself, independently as a global leader in safeguard development, and possibly further facilitate or engage in enforcement support actions where individual nations or coalitions may pursue 'sanction and reward' constructs to force nuclear proliferation reversal of non-NPT nations?