Challenges Faced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Towards Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Abstract

This work focused on challenges faced by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Towards Nuclear Non-Proliferation. Nuclear weapons were used for the first time in battle at the tail end of the Second World War in 1945. It has succeeded in preventing other countries except for those that have already tested and acquired nuclear weapons from obtaining and proliferating nuclear weapons and the technology to assemble one. This paper examined that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)is the sole international organisation charged with preventing nuclear proliferation. Focusing on the challenges of the IAEA, the paper finds out that it has not been easy as the IAEA is confronted yearly with dynamic challenges, some of which have threatened the security and stability of the world. The paper, thus, argues that efforts at safeguarding and monitoring the use of radioactive materials by the IAEA are inadequate as some radioactive materials are unaccounted for. The IAEA experiences a lack of cooperation from some countries which have refused access to its nuclear facilities for inspection. Also, the failure by some countries especially the US and Russia, to fully disarm or eliminate their nuclear weapon stockpiles has inadvertently increased the risk of nuclear proliferation and has encouraged some other countries to develop and stockpile their own weapons for defensive purposes. This paper is historical; hence, it adopts a qualitative method of analysis. A useful piece of information was obtained from important relevant documents, reports, and array of secondary sources.