Distrust and the nuclear doctrine

A generation ago, rampant economic problems and perceived risk of nuclear power brought the industry to a halt on applying for new construction permits. Because of the military history of nuclear technology, development of the existing nuclear power infrastructure during the Cold War, and contempora...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forum on public policy 2007-06
Main Author: Wulfhorst, J.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A generation ago, rampant economic problems and perceived risk of nuclear power brought the industry to a halt on applying for new construction permits. Because of the military history of nuclear technology, development of the existing nuclear power infrastructure during the Cold War, and contemporary discussion about nuclear power offering a reduced carbon footprint, it has emerged as a force within the global climate debate. The amalgam of associated nuclear technologies and activity has created a nuclear doctrine, or a set of conditions about the culture and politics of our energy needs and production options. However, questions remain as to the safety and environmental impact of next generation nuclear technologies, which have yet to be deployed into operation. Economic change with federal incentives along with popular news media describing a renaissance of the industry have sparked renewed questions about the nuclear technology options and impacts. The article uses the wicked problems theme to analyze the nuclear doctrine. The concept of distrust in government and industry managers is applied to understand the primary dilemmas facing the nuclear doctrine in the dynamic context of global climate change.
ISSN:1556-763X