ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the verification of a cutoff of production of fissionable materials for nuclear weapons purposes with particular attention to the possible role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA also applies safeguards at the request of a state to any of that state's nuclear activities to any bilateral or multilateral arrangement. It is under the latter provision that the IAEA has assumed most of its safeguarding responsibilities. A number of elements are involved including design review to enable the IAEA to devise effective safeguards strategies; examination of records and reports; and on-site inspection. The essence of IAEA safeguards is the independent verification by the agency of state reports of the presence and movement of nuclear materials subject to safeguards. The IAEA carries out independent fact-finding and measurements to verify reports submitted by the state. IAEA safeguards play a key role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.
