Onderco, Michal

The interview with Richard Butler, conducted by Michal Onderco, examines Australia’s proactive role in nuclear arms control and disarmament during the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference. Butler discusses Australia’s bipartisan commitment to non-proliferation and the influence of its uranium resources and regional concerns, including French nuclear testing in the Pacific, on its policies. He highlights Australia’s diplomatic efforts, particularly engaging Israel to support the NPT’s objectives and collaborating with South Africa to advance disarmament proposals at the conference. Butler criticizes the U.S.-led push for an early pledge of indefinite extension as counterproductive and recounts his role in fostering consensus through private diplomacy. He concludes with reflections on the systemic issues of nuclear non-proliferation, the challenges of implementing NPT principles, and his cautious optimism during that period for eventual nuclear disarmament.

The interview with Hans Blix, conducted by Michal Onderco, delves into Blix's experiences as Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and his pivotal role in strengthening the agency's safeguards and mandate in the wake of nuclear proliferation challenges. Blix reflects on the lessons learned from Iraq, South Africa, and North Korea, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and intrusive inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance with nuclear treaties. He discusses the balance between diplomacy and enforcement, contrasting the IAEA's professional inspection style with the more confrontational approach of other agencies like UNSCOM. The conversation also explores Blix's advocacy for consolidating nuclear verification efforts within the IAEA, despite opposition favoring the creation of new organizations. Throughout, Blix underscores the importance of maintaining the IAEA's impartiality and technical credibility in the politically charged landscape of global nuclear governance.