20th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Continuing Conflict: An Analysis of the Relationship between the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency since 1985
Chris P. Peterson
Dr. Steven Reschly and Dr. Thomas Zoumaras, Faculty Mentors
The International Atomic Energy Agency was formed in 1953 to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy throughout the world. This agency sought to utilize the benefits of atomic energy while curbing the potential abuse and spread of atomic technologies for war purposes. It remains the only measure of international control that attempts to maintain the use of nuclear energy for peace, and yet nuclear weapons proliferated and the potential for their use increased dramatically. This increase in availability was not specifically a result of shortcomings on the part of the IAEA, but rather ensued as a result of limited cooperation between the United States, the world’s largest and most advanced nuclear power, and the agency. This trend continued even after the fall of the Soviet Union, and despite the advantages of a strong international regulatory body, the United States continued to undermine the independence and authority of the IAEA.
Keywords: IAEA, United States
Topic(s):History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14-2
Location: VH 1320
Time: 8:30 am