Nuclear governance in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This chapter examines nuclear governance in Southeast Asia through the policies of the member states of ASEAN on nuclear energy and the utilisation of radioactive materials in the region and the implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards at the regional level. It analyses the gaps in nuclear governance in the region and how Southeast Asia, through the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), deepens cooperation on civilian nuclear energy, including on safety, security and safeguards. Other regional framework mechanisms such as the 1995 Bangkok Treaty, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit and the nuclear security education centres also play crucial roles in the region’s nuclear governance. This chapter investigates key nuclear governance challenges, national approaches, best practices and regional cooperation on nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Southeast Asia. It also explores pathways to broaden and deepen governance of nuclear security and non-proliferation in the Asia-Pacific through Track 2 networks, knowledge centres and centres of excellence.