Anton Khlopkov
Elena Sokova
July 5, 2012
View the full CNS report:
US-Russian Partnership for Advancing a Nuclear Security Agenda
Nuclear Security Efforts
Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the United States and the Russian Federation have engaged in bilateral and multilateral nuclear security efforts to secure nuclear materials and facilities in the region. This cooperation contributed to nuclear security globally and developed various tools, mechanisms, and approaches that need to be fully utilized by the international community.
As new nuclear security challenges emerge, the implementation of sustainable nuclear security measures is constrained by limited expertise and resources, particularly in some key regions. For this reason, the application of US-Russian expertise and experience in cooperative threat reduction is essential to successful implementation of the global nuclear security agenda.
Researchers investigate nuclear security challenges in other countries and regions—specifically in Southeast Asia and the former Soviet states of Central Asia—and examine possible ways by which the lessons learned from US-Russian nuclear security cooperation over the past two decades can be applied in these regions and in other international nuclear security efforts.
The study highlights several key factors responsible for the success of the US-Russian cooperative programs and provides recommendations for specific areas where results of the US-Russian cooperation could be applied:
- Education and Training of Nuclear Security Specialists
- Legal and Institutional Framework Development
- Border Controls
- Strategic Trade Controls
- Radiological Source Control and Management
The results of the study are summarized in the report “US-Russian Partnership for Advancing a Nuclear Security Agenda: Recommendations for US-Russian Cooperation in Strengthening Nuclear Security in the Former Soviet States and Southeast Asia.”
Funded by: Nuclear Threat Initiative
A joint study by:
- James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS)
- Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)
- Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS, Moscow, Russia)
