REMOTE MONITORING AS A POLICY TOOL

Advances in digital technologies and telecommunications capabilities are increasingly being acknowledged as prospective tools in achieving the objectives set forth in non-proliferation regimes. These technologies offer the possibility of achieving more cost-effective and efficient safeguards systems, while simultaneously increasing the likelihood of timely detection of any diversion of nuclear material. The increasing pressure for disarmament translates into extensive dismantlement; dismantlement, in turn, means greater amounts of excess fissile material that require safeguards. Given the budget constraints of both states and international agencies responsible for the provision of comprehensive safeguards, eventual acceptance of remote monitoring technologies as a core component of modern safeguards systems is a likely route to insuring the continuing efficacy of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The implementation of such policy tools also offers the most probable solution to the increasing demands that must be met by the providers of comprehensive safeguards. This article will provide a brief overview of the future demands for safeguards, the status of current international remote monitoring initiatives, and discuss the implementation of remote monitoring in the future given prevailing verification needs and political constraints.