Proliferation-resistance and safeguardability of innovative nuclear fuel cycles

The nuclear non-proliferation regime rests on several elements that complement and reinforce each other. The political commitment of States against possession of nuclear weapons is reinforced by institutional measures, the most important being IAEA safeguards, which provide a high level of assurance of compliance with obligations through international verification. The institutional barriers against proliferation, such as treaty regimes and associated verification arrangements, can be effectively reinforced by technological barriers. This paper discusses basic approaches that could be taken to enhance the proliferation resistance of the nuclear fuel cycle. This general discussion is followed by illustrative examples of some topical concepts of proliferation-resistant nuclear fuel cycles that are being promoted by various experts and countries. (author)