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A Letter From The Ijns Issue 7.1 Davis Editorial Fellow, Rachel Brooks

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The Davis Editor for Volume 7, Rachel Brooks, reflects on her time as Davis Editor and summarizes the contents of Issue 7.1.

A Letter From The Outgoing Editor Of Ijns, Russel K. Hirst

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Dr. Russel Hirst says farewell to his time as Managing Editor at IJNS.

Threat Of Nuclear Terrorism: The Developing Nuclear Security Regime, Muhammed Ali Alkış

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Terrorism has always been a part of human history in various forms. However, it had not been such a clear and present danger until the 9/11 attacks. After the 9/11 attacks, terrorism evolved into a new kind of terrorism only aiming to change a system with sensational attacks that cause so many deaths. Today, it poses a threat in the form of nuclear terrorism. Its potential rate of lethality could not be compared with any other forms of terrorism if terrorists managed to detonate an intact nuclear weapon or an improvised nuclear device. In addition, the psychological effects of sabotaging …

Ready For Nuclear Energy?: A Policy Review Of The Philippines’ Nuclear Energy Plan And Participation In The Asean Network Of Regulatory Bodies On Atomic Energy, Julius Cesar Trajano

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Recently, the Philippines has been demonstrating its interest in using nuclear energy, including addressing issues and gaps in its nuclear energy preparations, several of which fall under nuclear security, nuclear emergency preparedness and response, and regulatory capacity. This article argues that the ASEAN member states’ growing regional cooperation in nuclear safety and security, spearheaded by the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), can have a strong positive impact on the Philippines’ nuclear energy preparations. ASEANTOM’s regional activities and projects can help the Philippines address some of the current critical gaps and issues in its nuclear energy preparatory …

An Overview Of Approaches To Nuclear Security In Ghana, Raymond Agalga, Paul Atta Amoah, Daniel Nii Adjei, Daniel Frederick Charles, Emmanuel Ofori Darko

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Ghana has significantly improved its nuclear security infrastructure over the years. However, as threats increase by the day and new applications of nuclear and radiological technology are designed and implemented, Ghana must develop a rigid and comprehensive approach to mitigating the negative impacts on its nuclear security while improving prevention, detection, and deterrence of nuclear and radiological terrorism within its geographical space. This paper overviews the approaches adopted by Ghana to build a strong nuclear security regime within the past decade. These include improving legal frameworks for nuclear security by establishing an independent Nuclear Regulatory Authority; assessing nuclear security culture …

Addressing Underground, Unmanned Threats: A Case Study Of Gpr Detecting Illegal Objects At Nuclear Facilities And Enhancing Subterranean Physical Protection Systems, Md. Shamsul Huda Sohel, Mohammad Khan, Dr. Debashis Datta

International Journal of Nuclear Security

In nuclear installations, any unmanned threat is unacceptable. Such threats are a major issue for the nuclear physical protection system (PPS). Although the PPS of a nuclear power plant (NPP) is well prepared to deal with threats above ground level, until now, a special PPS had never been developed for detecting and tackling underground threats. One example of such a threat is a weapon-carrying, unmanned object operated by remote. Using this technology, a terrorist could launch an attack and overcome security barriers. While a normal PPS would not detect the underground activities of a mobile object, a PPS using a …

Effort And Prospective On Nuclear Security In Rok, Jung Soo Kim, Myung-Tak Jung, Kookheui Kwon, Youngwook Lee

International Journal of Nuclear Security

As of July 2013, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been operating a total of 23 nuclear power reactors at four sites with five new reactors under construction. In addition, the country has planned to construct two more units at two candidate sites, but due to a change in the energy policy, only one candidate site has been constructed while the other was decommissioned. The ROK has also been exporting nuclear power plants to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and building a research reactor in Jordan. These actions have made the nation’s nuclear industry by far the fastest growing industry …

The Role Of Nuclear Forensics For Determining The Origin Of Nuclear Materials Out Of Regulatory Control And Nuclear Security, Lekhnath Ghimire, Edward Waller

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The international community recognizes the rise in theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and radioactive sources—for malicious use and nuclear terrorism—as a serious threat. That is why a well-developed nuclear forensics capability is an integral part of a robust nuclear security program and a key element of nuclear security infrastructure. Both pre- and post-detonation nuclear forensics are vital for controlling theft and illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, as well as identifying and tracing their sources. Nuclear forensics analysis and interpretation processes for nuclear security is a systematic process that includes: (1) sample collection and categorization techniques and (2) detailed …

Developing Nuclear Security Capacity Of Indonesia’S Police And Security Officer: Lessons From Universitas Gadjah Mada’S Pilot Training, Susetyo Hario Putero Mr

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Due to an increase in global nuclear security issues, there need to be improvements in human resources and security measures. The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago country, which makes surveilling for nuclear security threats complicated. Recent radioactive material smuggling incidents proved that Indonesian police and security officers’ knowledge in nuclear security has been challenged and must be improved. In response, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Nuclear Engineering Program composed a three-day pilot training program for local police and UGM's security officers in 2018. The objective of the training was to improve their capabilities in dealing with nuclear security issues around where …

Peace And Nuclear-Free Advocacy Revisited: Lessons From New Zealand And Implications For Japan, Pinar Temocin

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Although there are multiple pathways of conditions leading to desired policy outcomes, the viability of peace and nuclear-free advocacy can be related to the convergence of a strong, diverse, and active civil society, where leadership and a responsive political environment are well-integrated. We discuss that sociopolitical mobilizations (e.g. peace and nuclear-free advocacy), active civil society, and democratic institutions are not only linked to each other but are also co-existent. In this essay, we look at the case of New Zealand (Aotearoa) with its unique nuclear-free peace movement and find some implications for contemporary Japan, which is the only country which …

There From The Beginning: The Women Of Los Alamos National Laboratory Supporting National And International Nuclear Security, Olga Martin, Laura Mcclellan, Octavio Ramos, Heather Quinn

International Journal of Nuclear Security

From the beginning of the Manhattan Project in the early 1940s, the women of what would become Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) worked in technical positions alongside their male counterparts, played a key role as computers, and worked in administrative jobs as secretaries, phone operators, bookkeepers, and on behalf of the U.S. Army in the Women’s Army Corps.

Throughout the history of the Laboratory, women experts at LANL helped establish and lead important national and international security programs, with careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over time, the women of Los Alamos have come together under various Employee Resource …

Nuclear Security Awareness Survey At A University, Marcia P. Robinson, Naomi German, Destiny B. White, Shraddha V. Rane, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The concept of assessing safety culture in an organization emerged with its application at the nuclear power industry and has expanded since then. An assessment of nuclear security, on the contrary, is still under-developed, especially at non-nuclear facilities, such as academic institutions and medical facilities. To identify the level of the awareness and understanding of credible nuclear and radiological threats, response preparedness, security culture, and the integrity of nuclear security systems among non-radioactive material users at a university setting; a campus-wide survey was deployed. A total of 3,336 non-radioactive material users, including students, faculty, and staff participated in the survey. …

A Game Theoretical Model Of Radiological Terrorism Defense, Shraddha Rane, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Radiological dispersal devices (RDD) pose a threat to the United States. Healthcare facilities housing high-risk radioactive materials and devices are potentially easy targets for unauthorized access and are vulnerable to malevolent acts of theft or sabotage. The three most attractive candidates for use in RDD considered in this study are: ⁶⁰Co (radiosurgery devices), ¹³⁷Cs (blood irradiators) and ¹⁹²Ir (brachytherapy high dose radiation device). The threat posed by RDDs has led to evaluating the security risk of radioactive materials and defending against attacks. The concepts of risk analysis used in conjunction with game theory lay the foundations of …

A Special Thanks To Distinguished Supporters, Ashley A. Humphrey

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Rhonda Evans, Head of Program Development at World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS), and Oum Keltoum Hakam, Education Officer at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have been key supporters of this special issue from the beginning. Along with Danielle Dahlstrom, they both started out as guest editors. They supplied a list of reviewers for this issue and bolstered its importance to some of the most notable professionals in the sector. Despite not having to do any of the editorial work in the journal (thanks to timing, professional responsibilities, and the pandemic), their contribution and continued support deserves a special thanks.

Statements Of Disclosure And Inclusivity

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Disclosure, Statement on Inclusivity

Women In Nuclear Security Title Cover

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Women in Nuclear Security Title Cover

Letter From The Editor, Ashley A. Humphrey

International Journal of Nuclear Security

It is vital for women to share their experiences with others; it shrinks the distances among us, creating stronger bonds. It builds camaraderie and community. It is also vital for women to document and share their journey so others can see tangible progress and use it as a tool in their own right. So, here is my story, my confession, about being editorial liaison for the IJNS Special Issue on Women in Nuclear Security.

Foreword, Elena Buglova

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The commitment to achieving nuclear security globally needs the efforts of both men and women, as diversity and gender equality bring benefits to all fields. However, women are underrepresented in nuclear security, as well as in the nuclear field in general, so it is important to understand and tackle the barriers that women can face to joining and thriving in the field, and I believe this special issue of the International Journal of Nuclear Security (IJNS) on Women in Nuclear Security will help in this regard.

Women Leading The Way, Laura S.H. Holgate, Inna Pletukhina, Michelle Reichert, Şebnem Udum, Ashley A. Humphrey

International Journal of Nuclear Security

As a feature of this issue, we asked some of the most notable women in the nuclear security profession to share their stories. Knowing that other women overcame circumstances that women still face instills hope, shows leadership, and provides mentorship to us all.

Gift Baskets For South Asia: Nuclear Risk Reduction And Crisis Management, Amber Jamil, Megan Goyette

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Gift Basket diplomacy is an interest-based approach to negotiation that encourages voluntary commitments as incentives for cooperation. International diplomats used this approach during the Nuclear Security Summits (NSS), and it is the new standard for international cooperation. This model was successfully replicated in climate talks and led to a global effort to combat climate change. The use of house presents, and gift baskets encourages leadership and team building, to excel beyond intractable consensus-based stalemates. The Gift Basket Diplomacy model may reduce South Asia’s nuclear risk and enhance crisis management by increasing diplomatic efforts during regional party talks and cooperative engagements, …

Women In Nuclear Science & Technology In India: Challenges & Opportunities, Arpita Datta, Dr. Alpana Goel, Ashok Kumar Jain

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Women have been actively contributing toward frontline research and development of various advanced technologies in the nuclear domain and playing a crucial role in key positions. However, proportional representation of women in various decision-making positions at higher levels in politics, diplomacy, military affairs, science, and technology remains low, and most of these positions remain male-dominated. We see that women often find it difficult to achieve leadership roles for several reasons, but often from an implicit bias in society. The stereotypical image of women in society is still propagated very discreetly. In recent times, Indian women have made big strides in …

Gender Inclusive Nuclear Regulatory Body Of Pakistan, Noreen Iftakhar, Shazia Fayyaz

International Journal of Nuclear Security

A gender-inclusive workplace considers, recognizes, and promotes the skills and potential of both men and women, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, ability, and age. In Pakistan, women in the workforce are increasing day by day and women are achieving higher positions at a corporate level. Nevertheless, the nuclear field is still generally considered a male oriented field. This paper aims to break the misconception and analyze gender inclusion in the nuclear regulatory body of Pakistan. The paper explores contours of gender inclusion in the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) by shedding light on female's representation in different management positions …

Structural Causes Of The “Gender Gap” In Nuclear Security: An Overview, Şebnem Udum

International Journal of Nuclear Security

This article elaborates on the discussion from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) 2020 conference and discusses the reasons for the gender gap between professionals working in nuclear security. It puts forward the structural causes for women's choice of field and the formation of gender biases from the perspective of Political Science. It emphasizes the importance of having role-models for women working in the field and provides recommendations to increase the number of women working in nuclear security.