ID | 108555 |
Title Proper | Nuclear sovereignty versus nuclear security |
Other Title Information | renewing the ROK-U.S. atomic energy agreement |
Language | ENG |
Author | Sheen, Seongho |
Publication | 2011. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | South Korea is the world's sixth-largest nuclear energy producer, with 20 nuclear power plants providing about 40 percent of its electricity. South Korea's nuclear energy development has been made possible by the ROK-U.S. Atomic Energy Agreement signed in 1972. The United States provided nuclear technologies and materials necessary for the peaceful use of nuclear energy; in return, South Korea was specifically prohibited from proliferation-related activities such as the reprocessing of spent fuel and uranium enrichment under the terms of the agreement. After three decades of successful bilateral nuclear cooperation, the two governments are due to renew the accord by 2014. However, negotiations on the new agreement between Seoul and Washington could potentially provide a source of tension and controversy. In particular, South Korea's wish for a complete fuel-cycle capability could directly conflict with President Obama's call for a nuclear weapons free world and U.S. concerns about nuclear proliferation. The bilateral negotiation between the United States and the ROK will have important implications for the global non-proliferation regime and regional security as well. This paper identifies issues and challenges regarding the renewal of the ROK-U.S. Atomic Energy Agreement and discusses the associated policy implications for the ROK-U.S. alliance. |
`In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 2; Jun 2011: p.273-288 |
Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 23, No. 2; Jun 2011: p.273-288 |
Key Words | Nuclear Sovereignty ; Nuclear Security ; ROK - US Atomic Energy Agreement ; South Korea ; United States ; Nuclear Energy ; Seoul ; Washington |