When it comes to spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, the choice facing the United States is between denial and restraint, argued James Acton before the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future. The real success of the American policy of restraint, first implemented at the end of the Ford administration, has been that it avoided encouraging new states from embarking on civilian reprocessing programs. An American decision to support reprocessing could have the unintended consequence of enhancing proliferation risks.
Evidence to the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future
Nuclear proliferation is a political problem and the key to assessing proliferation risks is political judgment.
More work from Carnegie
U.S. Nuclear PolicyThe United States faces a series of critically important decisions on nuclear procurement, posture, and declaratory policy. Which policies will best ensure effective deterrence while minimizing the risks of escalation and arms racing?
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A Heated California Debate Offers Lessons for AI Safety GovernanceThe bill exposed divisions within the AI community, but proponents of safety regulation can heed the lessons of SB 1047 and tailor their future efforts accordingly.
What the Cobalt Industry Can Learn From Coffee ProducersPolicymakers and industry leaders should look to the grocery store for inspiration in regulating the critical mineral industry.
- Stephen Lezak
