Chapter Two. Transfer Of Nuclear Technology For Peaceful Purposes Under International Law

Abstract

To balance the situation, the international community sought to establish a system to encourage the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes while simultaneously ensuring the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. During the Second World War, the US decision to impose tight secrecy on atomic energy dampened, for at least a decade, any possibility of cooperation in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This chapter discusses the transfer of nuclear technology under The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) rules, transfer of nuclear technology under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) rules, and international cooperation. The NPT established a dual-faced system; it supports the development of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and simultaneously imposes a disarmament obligation on both Nuclear Weapon State(s) (NWS) and Non-Nuclear Weapon State(s) (NNWS).Keywords: IAEA; international community; international cooperation; NPT; nuclear technology; nuclear weapons