Blockchain for International Security: The Potential of Distributed Ledger Technology for Nonproliferation and Export Controls (Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications)

Description

This book intersects the distributed ledger technology (DLT) community with the international security community. Given the increasing application of blockchain technology in the fields of business and international development, there is a growing body of study on other use cases. For instance, can blockchain have a significant role in preserving and improving international security? This book explores this question in the context of preventing the proliferation of some of the most dangerous materials in the world―items that if not secured can lend to the development of weapons of mass destruction. It considers how blockchain can increase efficiencies in the global trade of nuclear and chemical materials and technology, thereby increasing assurances related to compliance with international nonproliferation and disarmament treaties. Acknowledgements Contents Contributors Abbreviations List of Figures List of Tables Blockchain for International Security an Introduction 1 Introduction References Distributed Ledger Technology: Beyond the Hype 1 Introduction 2 What is Distributed Ledger Technology? 3 Features of Distributed Leger Technology 4 What is in a Block? 5 How DLT Records Transactions 6 Operationalizing DLT 6.1 Circulor and Volvo—Tracking Cobalt from the Congolese Mines to Car Batteries 6.2 AURA—A Consortium Model Powered by Ethereum Quorum 7 Conclusion References Blockchain Applications for Nuclear Safeguards 1 Introduction 2 Overview of International Nuclear Safeguards 3 Legal and Political Factors Influencing DLT Acceptance for Safeguards Use 4 Technical Factors Influencing DLT Acceptance 5 Addressing Critical Questions About Deploying DLT for Safeguards 6 Evaluating the Value of DLT Deployment for Safeguards: A Summary of Research to Date 7 Summary References Blockchain Tools for Nuclear Safeguards 1 Background—from NUMBAT to SLUMBAT to SLAFKA 2 SLUMBAT—Initial Development 2.1 SLUMBAT 2.0—Transit Matching Demonstration 2.2 SLUMBAT Outcomes 3 SLAFKA 4 Recording and Reporting Nuclear Material Accounting Information 5 Confidentiality and Permissioning 6 Reflections on SLUMBAT and SLAFKA 7 Future Development of DLT for Nuclear Safeguards References Possibilities of Blockchain Technology for Nuclear Security 1 Introduction 2 The Basics of Nuclear Security—Objectives and Principles 3 Trust Within the Nuclear Security Community 4 Potential Pathways for DLT 5 Promising Use Case: Transport Security 6 Future Considerations References Blockchain for Global Trade in Dual-Use Chemicals 1 Introduction 2 The CWC and Its Schedules: Obligations and Information Flows 3 The Australia Group and Its Lists: Guidance 4 DLT and Export Controls: A Practical Example for Chemical End-User Assurances for Re-exports 5 Conclusion References Blockchain Applications for Export Control Compliance and Global Supply Chain Integrity 1 Introduction 2 Relevance of Export Controls for International Security 3 Challenges in Export Controls 4 Potential Applications of DLT to the Implementation of Effective Export Controls 4.1 Sensitive Data Management and Licensing Processes 4.2 Valid Identities and Detection and Prevention of Falsified Documents 4.3 Traceability of Sensitive Items 5 Conclusion References