International Nuclear Law: The Nature and Complexities

Introduction: reflecting the discussion on the position of nuclear/atomic law within the system of international law, this article argues that international nuclear law has developed into an independent branch of public international law, being a set of principles and norms acknowledged by the international community of States. The article also discusses certain aspects of mutual relationships between nuclear law and other legal disciplines, such as international security law, international environmental law, law of international relations. Purpose: the author seeks to analyze various aspects of international nuclear law. Methods: the author uses a comparative analysis to study legal documents in order to discover the origin, nature, potentials, and complexities of international nuclear law. Results: the paper examines how distinct principles and frameworks of nuclear law evolved to govern the peaceful use of nuclear energy, while also addressing the complex interactions of nuclear law with other legal domains that have some intersections with nuclear activities. Conclusion: the author highlights the growing significance of nuclear law as a specialized field of research and practice, driven by the expanding global reliance on nuclear power and the need for comprehensive legal oversight in this critical energy sector