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Nuclear power and nuclear weapons proliferation

Journal Article · · Electr. Perspect.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6524072

An appropriate non-proliferation treaty should not discriminate among the non-weapon states, but should seek a cooperative approach with all countries seeking nuclear power and willing to accept international safeguards. Near-term proliferation problems, represented by nations already on the threshold of weapon capability, should not be confused with the long-term problem of world-wide nuclear development. The first can be handled with incentives and disincentives imposed on specific countries, while the latter involves the distribution of plutonium on the basis of alternative fuel cycles. To retain world leadership, U.S. efforts along these lines should be to encourage a dialogue between suppliers and recipients and to coordinate the economic and security issues of its own non-proliferation and foreign policies. One option is a U.S. commitment to a multinational fuel storage and reprocessing facility. Technical evaluation and demonstration of alternative fuel cycles to reach an international consensus would be a parallel activity.

OSTI ID:
6524072
Journal Information:
Electr. Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 78/4; ISSN ELPED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English