「アジア太平洋のための原子力科学技術に関する研究、開発、及び訓練のための地域協力協定」（RCA）の展開 : 「インド-フィリピン-IAEA中性子結晶分光計画」（IPA）の離陸から日本のRCAへの参画まで

This article describes (1) the prehistory of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA), (2) the evolution of the framework, and (3) the background of Japan’s participation. The concept of India-the Philippines-IAEA Neutron Crystal Spectrometer Program (IPA), the predecessor of the RCA, was conceived in the early 1960s when there was a decline in the America’s enthusiasm for deploying the “Atoms for Peace” campaign to developing countries. The IPA started in 1965 as a framework for the Asian regional cooperation to utilize the research reactor located in the Philippines. This tripartite framework lasted for five years until India and the Philippines tried to develop more flexible, diversified, and omnidirectional diplomacy. The RCA succeeded the IPA in 1972. Witnessing the impact of India’s nuclear test in May 1974, Japan turned more cautious toward developing countries with regard to multinational nuclear cooperation, and refrained from participating in the RCA. As a result of the Indian nuclear detonation in 1974, however, even the Japanese peaceful use of nuclear energy could have been restricted. As creating an international regime that balances the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons became more crucial in the global society, Japan cooperated with developing countries through the RCA to reinforce a more favorable position to itself.