FMWG SC member Andy Semmel and FMWG member Ambassador Ken Brill argue the Amended Convention for the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material review conference in 2021 presents a unique opportunity for renewed assessment of the nuclear security regime.
The authors explain, “Fortunately, there is a new opportunity to address gaps in the nuclear security regime, but it will require leadership from the Trump administration. The United States is a party to the Amended Convention for the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, which entered into force in 2016 and requires member countries to protect nuclear facilities and material in peaceful domestic use, storage, and transport, as well as to prohibit nuclear smuggling. The Convention calls for a conference in 2021 to review implementation of the agreement and its “adequacy in light of then prevailing situation.” This first review conference thus provides an opportunity for the more than 100 countries party to the agreement to establish a process of regular substantive reviews that would assess implementation issues and consider whether the nuclear security regime needs updating to deal with evolving threats and technologies.”