Blockchain for International Security

The Potential of Distributed Ledger Technology for Nonproliferation and Export Controls

DLT applications can increase assurances of compliance with nonproliferation and disarmament treaties

In Emerging Technology

October 7, 2021

This book is published by Springer International.

International security sits at the intersection of the wheel and fire element of technology: the point between civilian and military – when an innovation yields both benefits for humanity, but also the ferocity of modern warfare. Today’s digital world and breakthrough innovations, like blockchain technology, seem to be propelling us into the Fourth Industrial Revolution at an exponential pace which is disrupting all sectors, whether travel, telecommunications, transport, trade, or warfare. This has created more urgency for practitioners and students of international security and emerging technology to interact – not only on the potential for advances to be misused, but also how they can be used to strengthen international security.

This book intersects the distributed ledger technology (DLT) community with the international security community by exploring how DLT can help prevent the proliferation of some of the most dangerous materials in the world. The authors consider how applications of DLT can increase efficiencies in nuclear safeguards information management, nuclear security, and for export controls and sharing data related to the global trade of nuclear and chemical materials.

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Introduction

International security sits at the point where civilian and military technologies meet—when an innovation yields both benefits for humanity but also the ferocity of modern warfare. The pace of today’s innovation is disrupting all sectors, creating more urgency for practitioners and students of international security and emerging technology to interact—not only on the potential for advances to be misused but also how they can be used to strengthen international security. As such, effective implementation of treaties and controls need to strike a balance in allowing the free flow of trade with nonproliferation objectives while keeping pace with scientific and technological innovations that have the potential to disrupt both. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is one emerging technology that offers solutions for creating greater efficiencies in tracking nuclear, biological, chemical and dual-use materials in line with national and international reporting obligations.