The Problem with Nuclear Mind Reading

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In The Media

The Problem with Nuclear Mind Reading

The IAEA places importance on a state's intentions, something which its investigatory arm does not and cannot assess. The effect of emphasizing intent is to cause discussions about enforcement that descend into irresolvable arguments about ambiguous activities, thus reducing the chances of decisive action and, in turn, reducing the credibility and effectiveness of the nonproliferation regime.

By James M. Acton

Published on Feb 1, 2009

Source: Survival

The basic technologies that underlie nuclear power were first developed during the Second World War by the United States for purely military purposes. Since then, extensive civilian research and the use of nuclear technologies for peaceful ends has not erased this military heritage. Almost all nuclear technology in use around the world today is ‘dual use’, able to contribute to the production of fuel for nuclear reactors or the explosive components of nuclear weapons. For this reason, there is serious concern that supposedly peaceful nuclear programmes are being used for, or could become, cover for the development of nuclear weapons.

About the Author

James M. Acton

Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program

Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Recent Work

Paper
Nuclear Weapons and the Future of American Power
- James M. Acton, Ankit Panda
Commentary
The Latest Iran Deal Ignores the Lessons of the Past
- James M. Acton

Nuclear Policy Nuclear Energy East Asia North Korea

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Paper
Untangling the Nuclear Knot: A Constructive Agenda for Managing China’s Nuclear Relations with the United States and Its Allies
The nuclear relationship between China and the United States is increasingly shaped by widening perception gaps rather than deliberate strategic design.
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Research
In Pursuit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Australia, South Korea, And Japan
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The Problem with Nuclear Mind Reading

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The nuclear missile formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade on September 3, 2025 in Beijing, China.

Paper

Untangling the Nuclear Knot: A Constructive Agenda for Managing China’s Nuclear Relations with the United States and Its Allies

The nuclear relationship between China and the United States is increasingly shaped by widening perception gaps rather than deliberate strategic design.

Tong Zhao

Research

In Pursuit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Australia, South Korea, And Japan

A look at why states without nuclear weapons are seeking naval nuclear propulsion, whether they can legally and technically deliver it, what it will cost them, and what responsible stewardship of the capability would look like.

Jamie Kwong

Aerial view of shipping containers at a port

Commentary

Emissary

The Fallout of the U.S.–Canada Trade War Won’t Be Limited to North America

U.S. trading partners in Asia are closely watching the dispute for signs of how it may affect their own interests.

Barbara Weisel

Commentary

Emissary

Is the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Moving From the Gold Standard to a Gilded Standard?

Congress should ask tough questions about the agreement’s more unique features and whether they advance U.S. interests or compromise them.

Jane Darby Menton

Black-and-white photo of the nuclear cargo ship NS Savannah.

Commentary

Emissary

A Nuclear Odyssey at Sea

Nuclear and maritime communities face a long and challenging journey to deploy commercial nuclear applications at sea.

Jamie Kwong, Toby Dalton