Nuclear paradox: security risks of the peaceful atom. [Essay]

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7240639

Guhin, M A

The development and dissemination of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes present a dilemma on how to guard against the dangers of proliferating nuclear weapon capabilities while advancing the benefits of the atom. The U.S. has, in the mid-1970s, shifted again toward increasing emphasis on nonproliferation and protective measures. As chief developer and promoter of nuclear energy, the U.S. shoulders much of the responsibility for protecting against the security risks inherent in the peaceful atom. Washington has sponsored and helped achieve, with the support and contributions of several countries, an evolving political-legal structure of constraints and obligations which today includes widespread acceptance of international safeguards and the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. These, along with other established controls, comprise very important policy components contributing to the nuclear nonproliferation objective of avoiding--or at least minimizing--the spread of nuclear explosive capabilities whether labeled for military or for peaceful purposes. This essay examines recent U.S. proposals and other policy courses that could be pursued on an international level to reduce the national and subnational risks of the peaceful atom, along with a few basic principles for approaching these problems today and for some years down the road. The discourse concentrates on those security angles and dangers directly associated with the diffusion of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology through nuclear energy programs, while recognizing that nonproliferation of nuclear explosives has many other facets and constitutes only one piece of a larger political-security puzzle. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7240639
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450201 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives-- Containment
AGREEMENTS
CONTROL
ENERGY
ENERGY POLICY
EXPLOSIONS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
MANAGEMENT
NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR ENERGY
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
NUCLEAR POWER
POWER
SAFEGUARDS
SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
TREATIES
USA