Unleashing the Nuclear Watchdog: Strengthening and Reform of the
IAEA Author: Trevor Findlay, Research Fellow, Project on
Managing the Atom/International Security Program The
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the principal
multilateral organization mandated by the international
community to deal with nuclear issues. Established in 1957 and
based in Vienna, it is essentially the nucleus around which all
other parts of the global nuclear governance system revolve.
This report, based on more than two years of research,
interviews and consultations, concludes that the IAEA is: -
irreplaceable — like the United Nations itself, if it did not
exist it would have to be invented; - considering its
capabilities, size and budget, a veritable bargain for
international peace and security; - effective and efficient —
mostly; - in need of both strengthening and reform — in certain
key respects; and - deserving of increased funding from member
states and greater support from all stakeholders. The IAEA has
attribut