Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part argues that the agency's experience with safeguards could be useful as a model for verification provisions in broader arms control and disarmament agreements. In the expectation of grave challenges in the future, and on the basis of lessons derived from the past, a number of the conference papers seek to develop viable policies for the future. One crucial premise of those who offer policies is the need to build on, rather than to develop an alternative for, Atoms for Peace. Some of bold initiatives focus on actions in the area of arms control and disarmament, while others look to nuclear energy initiatives. Concerning the former, the only genuinely new idea involves speculation about the possible role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in arms control.