3/15/2010 Colloquium - Jonathan Essner

Jonathan Essner Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Event Info

Title:  Nuclear Nonproliferation Verification and Compliance: The Role of International Safeguards

Date: Mar 15, 2010
Location: 3105 Etcheverry Hall
Time: 4-5pm

Abstract

The International Atomic Energy Agency administers international safeguards, an investigative system verifying that states dedicate nuclear material and facilities to peaceful use and not military purpose. The IAEA seeks to provide the international community with credible assurances that states are not engaged in undeclared nuclear or nuclear-related activity. Given growing concerns over noncompliance with international safeguards commitments in certain states juxtaposed with increasing interest in nuclear power to meet growing energy needs among other states, the international safeguards system is under increasing strain. This talk will outline the international nuclear safeguards system, the challenges it faces, and efforts underway to confront these challenges.

Speaker Biography

Jonathan Essner is a nonproliferation analyst at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where he has worked since February 2007. His professional interests include improving and strengthening the international nuclear safeguards system, U.S. implementation of the Additional Protocol, and nuclear infrastructure development in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Prior to joining LLNL, he worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency in the Department of Safeguards as an information analyst specializing in open-source information collection and analysis in support of the state evaluation process. Jonathan received his B.A. in International Relations from the University of California at Davis and his M.A. in International Policy Studies with a focus on Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.