Specific Features of Physical Protection of Nuclear Installations in Latin American Countries: Legal Aspects

The article examines integration mechanisms at the regional and subregional levels created in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in particular within the framework of the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Nuclear Energy Commission and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, as well as the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean of 1984 (ARCAL). The role of the universal organization in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy, the IAEA, is examined in interaction with regional and subregional integration structure in the development of nuclear energy on the Latin American continent. The study identifies a new mechanism for developing nuclear programs in Latin American countries through cooperation between the IAEA and the Inter-American Development Bank in the region, including issues of physical protection of nuclear installations. The article examines the activities of the IAEA in the Latin American region through the implementation of the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan and through programs of technical cooperation and assistance. The study analyzes the features of physical protection of nuclear installations in the countries of Latin America and the contribution of regional integration structures within Latin America and the Caribbean to the development of physical protection systems for nuclear facilities. Particular attention is paid to cybersecurity of nuclear installations and assistance in identifying cyber threats provided by the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the OAS and the United States. The influence of the United States on the development of the nuclear industry and technologies in the region is noted, while at the same time the growing importance of Latin American states in collective decision-making at the continental level is emphasized.