Since 9/11, nuclear terrorism has been acknowledged to pose a serious threat to global security. In response to this threat, the United Nations Security Council, International Atomic Energy Agency, and nuclear-advanced states such as the US have worked together to develop a global nuclear security regime based on United Nations resolutions, legal conventions, and informal initiatives. However, this regime has been continuously criticized for lacking international standards or, more precisely, an independent nuclear security convention. Although this assertion no doubt holds in comparison with international agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, nuclear security has made its own significant contribution to the field of global nuclear governance. Notably, it has established itself as an international norm that shapes states’ behavior in the battle against the “evil” threat of nuclear terrorism.

Nuclear safety and security are essential in all operations using nuclear and radioactive materials. Even though both elements are important, the evolution of these programs has not developed at the same rate. As such, their integration has been met with challenges. This study analyzed the potential for synergy across different criteria and settings when integrating nuclear safety and security. The criteria included eight points where overlap could be identified between nuclear safety and security. Three work settings—industrial, medical, and research—were evaluated. Responses were collected from nine individuals who worked with nuclear materials in various capacities and different nuclear work settings. The individuals rated the eight criteria and three work settings based on the analytical hierarchy process. These results were then used in a Monte Carlo simulation that applied a beta-program evaluation review technique distribution to determine points with the greatest potential for synergy. The culture criterion was rated as having the greatest potential for synergy, thereby indicating that the integration of nuclear safety and nuclear security would provide the greatest benefit with this criterion. The analytical hierarchy process assisted with the Monte Carlo simulation and determined that the industrial setting ranked the highest in synergy potential—also indicating this setting would see the greatest benefit in integrating nuclear safety and security.

The Pelindaba Treaty, officially known as the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) Treaty, stands as proof of Africa’s collective commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free continent. It was opened for signature in 1996 in Cairo, Egypt, and entered into force in 2009. Its main aim is to prevent the development, acquisition, possession, or stationing of nuclear weapons within the zone, thereby promoting peace and security for all African nations. The treaty outlines an array of comprehensive measures to achieve this goal. State parties are prohibited from engaging in any nuclear weapon–related activities. Also, the treaty requires parties to maintain the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear materials, facilities, and equipment to prevent theft or unauthorized use and handling. Additionally, the treaty requires parties to concurrently achieve the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear material, which can be used for peaceful purposes. According to the United Nations (UN), 51 of the 55 African states have signed the Pelindaba Treaty, and 43 of them are parties to the treaty. Although the treaty is rightfully viewed as a monumental diplomatic achievement, the indispensable groundwork and ongoing stewardship by African women activists and policymakers that enabled its success often remains overlooked. This paper illuminates the bold vision and vital contributions of female diplomats, protest organizers, and governance leaders in actualizing and faithfully upholding the Pelindaba Treaty over the past three decades by review women’s involvement in African peace and security organizations operating. Additionally, this work highlights women’s contribution to disarmament efforts and their engagement’s effect in the NWFZ, sustaining and enforcing the Pelindaba Treaty within their positions of influence. The paper profiles pioneering negotiators such as Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former chairperson of the African Union Commission, known as the depositary of the African NWFZ Treaty, noting her role in overseeing the treaty's implementation and compliance. On the diplomatic front is Nigeria’s Ambassador Joy Ogwu, whose wise leadership guided the treaty from conception to ratification, building consensus across diverse African interests.

The International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) is the primary international network for nuclear security educational initiatives. INSEN plays a central role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nuclear security education experts worldwide. In the wake of the global pandemic, INSEN remained committed to strengthening nuclear security education and resumed in-person activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed its continued dedication and support to the network’s mission and presented new activities aimed at elevating global nuclear security efforts. Throughout the year and during the annual and leadership meetings, working groups showcased their vibrant work and presented innovative ideas, invigorating the attendees’ dedication to their crucial work. Comprehensive presentations by the IAEA during the INSEN annual and leadership meetings highlighted the importance of the network and its continued commitment to promoting nuclear security on a global scale. One notable and encouraging trend was the increase in network membership, signifying a growing commitment to nuclear security worldwide and the continued interest in nuclear security from member states and international organizations. The value of initiatives such as the Women in Nuclear Security Initiative was emphasized at the annual meeting, accenting the need for diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure a secure nuclear landscape.

Increasing the number of nuclear power reactors in the Latin American and Caribbean region presents technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental challenges. Focused on fostering economic stability, growth, and human capacity development, the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) emerges as a key aspect in the region’s energy landscape. The emergence of SMRs represents an opportunity for multidisciplinary cooperation among different sectors. To comprehensively address the challenges related to the protection of nuclear facilities in the region, the Tlatelolco Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty should be strengthened as legally binding instruments to enforce the safety and safeguarding principles integral to the peaceful applications of nuclear energy. Financial, technical, human resource, and digital challenges must also be addressed to enable opportunities for integrating nuclear technology into the region’s power grids. This article serves as a call of action to collaborate on harnessing the power of nuclear energy while championing gender diversity and international cooperation for the benefit of the region’s socioeconomic landscape. Drawing from the exemplary Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares (CAREM) project in Argentina, which showcases the integration of SMRs into the national energy mix, this paper underscores the multiple aspects that the SMR market needs to address for deployment in the region. This study provides an overview of the region's energy and nuclear landscape, highlighting challenges and opportunities in various sectors. It provides introductory elements for planning a strategy for the use of nuclear power in the region, emphasizing joint cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean countries to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future driven by a clean, safe and reliable energy solution. In particular, CAREM-25 is a 25 MWe prototype SMR based on pressurized water reactor technology and was designed and launched by the National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA). The project is under construction and has an estimated criticality date of late 2027. The Argentine case also provides outstanding examples of women in leadership positions, such as General Manager of the CAREM project Dr. Sol Pedre and former President of the CNEA Dr. Adriana Serquis.

Domestic violent extremism has been on the rise in recent years, fueled by growing political polarization, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the spread of misinformation online. This concerning trend raises an important question: has this increase in extremist violence manifested in more incidents involving radioactive or nuclear (RN) materials and a corresponding security concern? To explore this question, we analyzed existing data on events involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials over time. Specifically, we examined the rate of RN-related incidents, the targets of these events, and the ideologies motivating the perpetrators by using the Violent Non-State Actor Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Event Database from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism. Our analysis aimed to determine whether the broader rise of violent extremism has translated to an elevated risk of attacks involving RN materials. Results of the analysis revealed that there was no clear increase in events involving RN material in the dataset. However, given the rarity of these events, this conclusion does not indicate that such a trend might not appear in coming years if violent extremism continues to rise. To address the potential risk presented by violent extremism, in addition to quantifying the frequency of RN events, we also reviewed traits that could make organizations more susceptible to insider threats from radicalized employees. Focusing on the literature around counterproductive workplace behavior, we identified organizational characteristics that might increase the risk of malicious acts committed by radicalized insiders. These risk factors include abusive leadership, situational constraints, and organizational injustice. Finally, using these organizational risk characteristics, we discuss interventions that organizations with RN material can take to reduce their risk of attacks stemming from violent extremism while still protecting individual rights to privacy and civil liberties. Overall, this article provides an overview of the intersections between rising domestic extremism, insider threats, and risks posed by RN materials. We present current data on trends and patterns in this space as well as practical guidance for organizational resilience.

Identification of the design basis threat (DBT) of a nuclear facility is an important factor of overall safety, for which the operator is mainly responsible per the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency. As threat levels increase especially threats beyond the DBT-the responsibility of the state also increases. In recent years, only a few studies on nuclear security and DBTs have comprehensively detailed the full spectrum of nuclear facilities in a nation. Thus, this paper presents the correlation between an actual threat and the DBT. The objectives of the study are to assist in establishing physical protection system (PPS) standards that present risks to a nuclear facility, and to determine the level of protection. According to current threat patterns, 34 types of possible and perceivable threat events were identified for DBT in this study. A threat matrix was developed after compiling the assessed threat grades, and this matrix can be a design basis for developing a PPS for any nuclear facility and its security. The DBT study revealed that based on threat variables, each threat in the matrix has a translated representation of threat grades of high, medium, or low. To achieve precision using the deterministic approach, a new seven-step sliding scale for nuclear security events was created, ranging from 0 to 100. The identified threat levels are very low (1–10), low (11–30), moderate (31–50), high (51–60), very high (61–70), severe (71–90), and extreme (91–100). In conclusion, this study revealed that rigorous analysis and decision-making are essential to transforming the threat assessment for the DBT.

Nuclear reactors and their associated facilities are complex systems that require accurate modeling and analysis to ensure safety, security, and efficient operation. This study aims to model and analyze the neutron flux of a generic VVER 1200 reactor core using the Monte Carlo code OpenMC. For the purpose of this analysis, a generic model of the VVER 1200 reactor core was developed using an OpenMC simulation environment. Furthermore, using this model, the neutron flux spectrum inside the reactor core was evaluated, from which neutron fluence was calculated accordingly. This study analyzed the effect of neutron flux on the developed model of the VVER 1200 reactor core. The research results reveal a close relationship between neutron flux and reactor power, whereby an escalation in neutron flux leads to a proportional escalation in reactor power output, indicating their interdependence. Additionally, the results highlight a strong correlation between neutron fluence and neutron flux, where an elevation in neutron flux causes a corresponding rise in neutron fluence, which is a significant contributor to the increase in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of the RPV wall. In this study, the VVER 1200 reactor core model was simulated and after 60 years of operation; the fluence, which is the total neutron flux received by the reactor vessel, was extracted from the evaluated neutron flux spectrum, and its value was found to be at the design limit of the 1019 scale. So, it is important to maintain the neutron flux at a level that provides sufficient power output while ensuring the RPV’s safety and longevity. The results also show that OpenMC is an effective tool for simulating the neutron flux distribution in the VVER 1200 reactor core. The study findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of the reactor core, which can help improve the design and operation of nuclear reactors for safer and more efficient nuclear energy production.

The reactor pressure vessel (RPV) is an important component of a nuclear power plant and of great concern to safety and security globally. Thus, the thermal system of an RPV should be ensured properly through an evaluation system that closely monitors and considers its integrity. This article describes the thermomechanical analyses for a pressurized thermal shock (PTS) scenario of a VVER-1200 RPV owing to a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) and activation of the emergency core cooling system (ECCS). The LOCA transient and activation of ECCS are modeled using ANSYS simulation software. From the analyses of the emergency core cooling injection owing to a LOCA in a PTS scenario, the transient flow distribution and the temperature profile evolution in the RPV wall are evaluated. Subsequently, the stress history in different situations for this transient was computed using thermal loads to show the safety of the VVER-1200.

The Indian media has had an immense role in framing public perceptions of nuclear weapons within the Indian subcontinent. Examining the largely nationalistic tone of news coverage helps analyze how the media has shaped India’s idea of its status as a nuclear weapon state. Examining the sociocultural discourse around the bomb, this paper analyzes the major influence that the Indian media has in information distribution and how that influence translates to the formation of the atomic attitudes of the masses. In situating the Indian media’s approach to nuclear weapons at large, this work studied the framing of domestic nuclear weapons discourse in Indian English-language newspapers. The research also articulated the nuclear takes on iconic daily comic strips, which play an important role in gauging the moods and anxieties of the masses, or the common man, as it happened. Sidelining the technical understanding of nuclear weapons from a scientific perspective, this paper incorporates a cultural and sociopolitical understanding of the nuclear weapons policy of India by further examining the media portrayal of the nuclear weapons debate beyond print media and into 24/7 news channels, social media, and entertainment mediums, such as movies and television shows. This study concluded that the media framing of India’s nuclear weapons policy is one-sided and mostly nationalistic; the opposition to the nuclear weapons program is nonexistent or meager. This paper also prescribes that the media has to play a more constructive role in educating the public because the focus of domestic debate has moved now from weapons issues to nuclear energy and safety and security.