Nuclear Power and the Spread of Nuclear Weapons: Can We Have One without the Other?

by Sharon Tanzer, Steven Dolley, Paul Leventhal

Overview

In the wake of California's energy crisis, policymakers' rush to satisfy growing demand requirements may run the risk of naively ignoring the larger issues and dangers associated with increased reliance on nuclear power. A connection between national nuclear power programs and nuclear proliferation can be found in the strategic initiatives of North Korea, Iraq, Iran, India, and Pakistan.

In response to this threat, the Nuclear Control Institute has assembled a consortium of experts to underscore the connection that exists between nuclear power and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. They evaluated proliferation risks and proposed viable alternative energy sources. This volume includes the analysis of such respected thinkers as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes; Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.); Amory Lovins, CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute; and Amb. Robert Galucci, dean of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612342276
Publisher:	Potomac Books Inc.
Publication date:	08/31/2002
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Paul Leventhal is president and founder, Sharon Tanzer is vice president, and Steven Dolley is research director of the Nuclear Control Institute. Founded in 1981, NCI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and advocacy center that monitors worldwide nuclear activities and pursues strategies to halt the spread of nuclear arms. NCI is located in Washingon, D.C.

Table of Contents

	List of Illustrations	xi
	List of Tables	xiii
	Foreword	xv
	Preface	xxi
1.	Introduction: Nuclear Power without Proliferation?	1
2.	Rapporteur's Summary of the Nuclear Control Institute Twentieth Anniversary Conference	13
Part I	How Essential Is Nuclear Power?
3.	Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation	47
4.	Nuclear Power and Proliferation	57
5.	Why Nuclear Power's Failure in the Marketplace Is Irreversible (Fortunately for Nonproliferation and Climate Protection)	69
6.	Nuclear and Alternative Energy Supply Options for an Environmentally Constrained World: A Long-term Perspective	85
7.	A World with, or without, Nuclear Power?	123
Part II	Can Nuclear Power Be Made Proliferation-Resistant and Free of Long-Lived Wastes?
8.	Attempts to Reduce the Proliferation Risks of Nuclear Power: Past and Current Initiatives	143
9.	Technical Opportunities for Increasing Proliferation Resistance of Nuclear Power Systems (TOPS) Task Force	157
10.	The Limits of Technical Fixes	167
Part III	The Role of Nuclear Power in the Acquisition of Nuclear Weapons
11.	Overview of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons	185
12.	Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons in India, Pakistan, and Iran	189
13.	The Nonproliferation Regime and Fissile Materials	201
14.	Closing Thoughts on Nonproliferation: The Need for Rigor	213
Part IV	Three Closing Views
15.	An Industralist's View	225
16.	An Arms Controller's View	229
17.	A Historian's View	233
	Appendixes	235
	Notes	287
	Bibliography	313
	About the Contributors and Editors	333

Editorial Reviews

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Nuclear Control Institute, contributors with a number of views on the question shared views at an April 2001 conference in Washington, DC. Besides introductions and conclusions, the 17 presentations consider how essential nuclear power is, whether it can be made proliferation-resistant and free of long- term wastes, and its role in the acquisition of nuclear weapons. The papers are not indexed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Nuclear Control Institute, contributors with a number of views on the question shared views at an April 2001 conference in Washington, DC. Besides introductions and conclusions, the 17 presentations consider how essential nuclear power is, whether it can be made proliferation-resistant and free of long- term wastes, and its role in the acquisition of nuclear weapons. The papers are not indexed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"A fitting and timely contribution...to the debate on nuclear proliferation....At a time when worries about energy security and nuclear terrorism are on center stage, this book provides a helpful look back and a thoughtful examination of what's ahead."

"A scrupulously balanced and fair collection of essays by world-class experts. In a world threatened by both terrorism and global warming, this book will deepen the understanding of policymakers and serious students alike on the tough choices ahead."

"This book presents a wide range of expert views and is the Nuclear Control Institute's latest contribution toward improving safeguards for our nuclear facilities and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. It should be read by those who desire to evaluate nuclear power's proliferation risks and energy benefits."

"This thoughtful and balanced book frames the debate over nuclear power and its ties to nuclear weapons in a unique and accessible way. It is also a fitting expression of the Nuclear Control Institute's lonely two-decade effort to call attention to issues of terrorism and nuclear security made all too urgent by the events of September 11."

"The events of 9/11 should tell us that preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons to rogue states and terrorists must be our nation's #1 priority. Accordingly, citizens need to be able to scrutinize decisions we make as a nation that have implications for proliferation. One of those is whether to build more nuclear power plants. Nuclear Power and the Spread of Nuclear Weapons presents the pros and cons of doing that. The experts who contributed to this book offer a breadth of knowledge and experience that will contribute to a better understanding of the dangers and the ways around them."

"Exposes some dark doubts about whether nuclear industries and governments will ultimately see the light and whether nuclear power use is compatible with world security, but the wide range of expert views and insights, and clearly presented information, will allow the readers to make up their own minds."

From the Publisher