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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Taking the Pulse: Is Elon Musk Meddling in European Politics?U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk has publicly backed European far-right parties, claiming to champion free speech. But what does his agenda mean for Europe’s democracy and regulatory power, and can the EU hold digital platforms accountable?
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