The Evolution of Global Nuclear Security Governance

The architecture of global nuclear security governance comprises a complex set of treaties, international agreements, policy instruments, and guidance documents—some of which are formal and legally binding, and others that are informal and dependent on state-level commitment for their application. These instruments are broadly designed to prevent, deter, and respond to non-state actor acquisition of nuclear material for malign purposes. The chapter provides an overview of the evolution of global nuclear security governance. Employing a chronological approach, the chapter charts the formulation of international instruments on nuclear security and seeks to shed light on the international negotiations and policy debates that preceded important developments in the governance architecture. As will become clear, the evolution of global nuclear security governance has often been driven by policy responses to perceived threats or gaps in existing structures.