Over 50 Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron participated in a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training, Nov. 27, 2023, here.

140124-F-SQ068-1195 - Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assist each other in putting on their gas masks during a chemical, biomedical, radiological and nuclear training course at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, Nov. 27, 2023. Each gas mask is fitted to the wearer and features protective filters allowing the user to breathe clean air following CBRN contamination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

International Atomic Energy Agency & Nuclear Proliferation

Published May 6, 2026
By AFTAC
AFTAC

TOPIC SPONSOR: AFTAC

The Evolving Role and Value of the IAEA in the 21st Century The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has historically been regarded as one of the world's foremost leaders in assuring the safe use of nuclear power and energy.

Historical and Modern Context: How has the organization's focus and charter changed over the last 60 years, and is the IAEA able to fully support the means necessary to assure a safe 21st century in light of increased conflict and new national aspirations within an environment of great power competition?
Impact of Global Politics: Have the political decisions of the U.S. regarding the JCPOA, alongside other partner nations' messaging on potential Iranian nuclearization, marginalized or otherwise compromised the global value of the IAEA?
Future Authority and Enforcement: Can the IAEA reassert itself independently as a global leader in safeguard development? Furthermore, can it facilitate or engage in enforcement support actions where individual nations or coalitions pursue 'sanction and reward' constructs to force the nuclear proliferation reversal of non-NPT nations?