The Global Nuclear Safety and Security Regimes

Nuclear Energy Futures Paper #2

November 23, 2008

In this report Aaron Shull explores the international legal regimes, both binding and non-binding, that relate to the safety and security of civilian nuclear applications. The areas he considers are the safety of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste management, research reactors, radioactive sources, emergency preparedness and response, and nuclear security. From here the author examines how four different states - Australia, Brazil, Canada and Jordan - have dealt domestically with their international legal obligations relating to such matters. The author concludes by recommending ways to strengthen and integrate the regimes to better cope with the expected global revival in peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

Part of Series

Nuclear Energy Futures

CIGI's Nuclear Energy Futures Papers present research commissioned by the Nuclear Energy Futures Project, which is examining the scope of the purported nuclear energy revival over the coming two decades and its implications for global governance. The papers are written by experts in nuclear energy or nuclear global governance.

About the Author

Aaron Shull is the managing director and general counsel at CIGI. He is a senior legal executive and is recognized as a leading expert on complex issues at the intersection of public policy, emerging technology, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection.