The movie Oppenheimer directed by Christopher Nolan reflected on the life of J Robert Oppenheimer. He is often referred to as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb” and he played a pivotal role in the development of nuclear laws and international cooperation on atomic energy. The global policy has been influenced by his contributions to the Manhattan Project during World War II and his subsequent efforts in order to control the spread of nuclear weapons.
During World War II as part of the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer led the scientific team that developed the first atomic bomb. In 1945 the successful test of the Trinity Device marked a turning point in history, which led to the use of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Immediate global actions were prompted due to the devastation caused by the bombings.
Thus Oppenheimer recognized the need for international cooperation in order to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons. His leadership was instrumental in the formation of the United Nations (UN) and its subsidiary body, the United Nations Energy Commission
(UNAEC) which was founded with a goal to establish a framework for the control and peaceful use of atomic energy.
Monitoring the world: Introducing the IAEA
Even though UNAEC ultimately failed to reach an agreement it had laid the foundation for future international efforts for addressing nuclear issues, which was carried forward with the establishment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under the auspices of the United Nations, IAEA was established in 1957 as an independent international organization.
Its primary mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy while also preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With the evolution of IAEA’s role over the years it has become a central player in international nuclear governance. Some of the key functions and activities of IAEA include safeguarding nuclear material, technical assistance, nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear non-proliferation, and technical cooperation.
The IAEA implements safeguarding agreements with member states in order to ensure that nuclear material is used for peaceful purposes only. Inspectors monitor nuclear facilities and also verify the accuracy of member state’s declarations regarding their nuclear activities. The agency also provides technical expertise and assistance to member states in areas such as security, safety, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy for electricity generation, agriculture, and medicine.
The IAEA establishes safety standards and provides guidance on nuclear safety practises which help member states in preventing accidents like the Chernobyl disaster and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. The IAEA plays a very crucial role in an era of global terrorism in regards to enhancing nuclear security, preventing the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and protecting nuclear facilities. The selling of nuclear formula illegally to develop nuclear weapons is also a major issue which is also tackled through the process.
The IAEA also administers the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by verifying that the non-nuclear weapon states adhere to their obligations in order to refrain them from declaring further nuclear weapons. The agency assists member states in harnessing the benefits of nuclear science and technology for peaceful scientific purposes which may include nuclear medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.
However, the IAEA faces new challenges in the 21st century like emerging nuclear threats and the need to adapt to rapidly advancing nuclear technologies. The agency continues to play a vital role in terms of addressing these challenges through its efforts in nuclear safeguarding, nuclear security, and technical cooperation. The IAEA in recent years has also been involved in verifying and monitoring international agreements such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. This underscores the agency’s importance as a neutral arbitrator in global nuclear diplomacy.
J Robert Oppenheimer’s work during the Manhattan Project and his advocacy for international cooperation laid the foundation for nuclear laws and governance. In today’s time the International Atomic Agency stands as a testament to the need for global collaboration in regards to managing nuclear technology as well as ensuring that it is used for peaceful purposes.
At the 67th General Conference of the IAEA in Vienna, Bangladesh was once again elected as a member of its Board of Governors. Bangladesh will be representing the geographic region of the Middle East and South Asia, comprising 15 countries. It is imperative that we as a nation recognize the responsibility given to us and to have a complete understanding of nuclear power.
The IAEA’s role remains indispensable in both promoting nuclear security and the responsible use of nuclear energy across the world as nuclear technology continues to advance.
Mashrur Ahmed Zidane is a pupil at Akhtar Imam and Associates law firm and a GSP Fellow under the law firm, DLA Piper.