U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue

Abstract

Since South Africa mastered nuclear technology and de-commissioned its nuclear weapons program in the early 1990s, it has become a prominent voice in non-proliferation issues. As a leader in regional stability, South Africa is poised to reduce the threat from WMD both on the African continent and at an international level. The dialogue aims to increase the understanding of South Africa_s contribution to the global nonproliferation regime and its further aspirations in nuclear energy industry and facilities. The discussions will also identify South African national security concerns in non-proliferation issues, fuel cycle in a nuclear energy environment, and the role of nuclear weapons in regional threat perceptions. Furthermore, the dialogue will facilitate increased partnership between the United States and South Africa on shared interests and U.S. national security goals in sub-Saharan Africa.