Publication

This paper argues that countries need to move beyond the protections of sovereignty in nuclear safety, security, nonproliferation and disarmament for the sake of reducing nuclear risks across the board. One approach would be to use a broader definition of nuclear security—freedom from nuclear risks—as the lens through which to view all actions related to reducing nuclear risks, whether they cover nuclear weapons or materials. A single unifying focus would replace the currently unworkable arrangement experts have embraced for forty years—that is, the linkage of nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy has only resulted in a standoff. A more equitable—but not necessarily easier—approach is essential for completing all the tasks that true nuclear security demands.