CDAST conducts wide range of research studies on international issues related to disarmament and non-proliferation. The followings are our main research programs of the year 2003.
Study on Strategy for Further Use of Nuclear Energy (Year 2001 - 2003)
This study, commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, examines the ways for further use of nuclear energy to reduce greenhouse gas emission, which is one of the major causes of global warming.
The measures to mitigate global warming have to be reviewed and evaluated in connection with an energy outlook of world energy consumption and Carbon Dioxide emission. As an approach to reduce greenhouse gas emission, this study seeks the ways to promote use of nuclear energy not only in developed countries but also in developing countries with rapid economic growth.
Research on Issues of Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
After the end of the Cold War, the International community gives top priority to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). While various efforts to prevent proliferation have been made, for example by strengthening non-proliferation regime, there still remain prpblems left unresolved. September 11 terrorist attack brought about increasing attention of the international community and drastic changes of issues related to non-proliferation of WMD.
This research aims to contemplate WMD proliferation/non-proliferation issues comprehensively by focusing on the trend after the September 11, and to make policy recommendations to our government as well as the international community how to deal with these issues.
Research on the ad hoc inspection in South Africa
From 1970's to 1980's, South Africa produced 6 nuclear devices. However, it dismantled all of the devices by 1991 and acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state. Subsequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted, the so-called, "an ad hoc inspection" in the country. In 1993 when the inspection was still under way, then South African President De Klerk announced that South Africa had possessed nuclear devices in the past and destroyed them all. Due to his announcement and request from South Africa, the IAEA verified that all nuclear devices were completely dismantled in the ad hoc inspection activities. This research paper sumarizes ad hoc inspection activities by the IAEA in South Africa using open source materials.
Research and Study Concerning the issue of Handling Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China
The Chemical Weapon Convention was ratified by Japan and China respectively on the 15th of September 1995 and the 25th of April 1997. On the basis of the Convention, Japan became liable for the destruction of abondoned chemical weapons (ACW) in China.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CDAST's activity in this respect includes providing the Government with information on conditions of chemical weapons buried in China, on possible disposal techniques, and on environmental standard.
Research and Study Concerning the issue of Handling Abandoned Chemical Weapons in Japan
Old chemical weapons are still being found in Samukawa-cho, Kanagawa prefecture and other areas in Japan.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the CDAST's activity includes providing the Government with information on possible disposal techniques.