Evolution of US-Russian cooperation in nuclear material protection, control, and accounting

In a historic turn of events, the early 1990's marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the United States and the Russian Federation. In 1991, the Soviet Threat Reduction Act was passed by the US Congress. This legislative measure gave birth to discussions between the two nuclear powers on the safe, secure dismantlement of nuclear weapons and nonproliferation issues. Cooperation in nuclear material protection, control, and accounting (MPC and A) between the US and Russia was a small part of this original effort. Also, due to the enormous changes in Russian society, the protection systems which had been historically utilized at Russian facilities no longer addressed the threat to those locations. Recognizing that the Russian government has ultimate responsibility for nuclear materials in their country, the US made a commitment to support the improvement of these systems through technical assistance, funding, technology transfer, and experience sharing. At this time, the US and Russia are at an important juncture in their cooperation in MPC and A. Currently, there is the need for this work, the political will to make progress, and funding to make it happen