The National Politics of Nuclear Power

All too often, discussions about whether or not a country might embark on or expand nuclear power revolve around projections of electricity and energy demand into the (far) future and the falling reserves of fossil fuels. In some cases, speculations about whether the country might be harboring nuclear weapon ambitions play a part. But, as Sovacool and Valentine argue convincingly, a great many other considerations play important roles in determining the trajectory of nuclear power in countries. This line of inquiry is vitally important today as nuclear power faces an uncertain - and geographically diverse - future in the aftermath of the Fukushima accidents. -- M. V. Ramana, Princeton University, USA This timely and original book develops a socio-political economic theory to explore the continuing fascination and commitment to nuclear energy in eight countries in Asia, Europe and North America. It is a book that must be read by all those - professionals, politician, academics and citizens - fascinated by the present dilemmas and future prospects of nuclear power. -- Andrew Blowers, Open University, UK In their holistic investigation of the myriad factors that give rise to nuclear energy programs and that sustain them over time Sovacool and Valentine have filled a major lacuna in the literature on nuclear power. Too often the discourse is dominated by economists and energy analysts who neglect the bigger picture. Political, social and cultural drivers and constraints can be just as determinative as the price of uranium or the overnight costs of building a nuclear power plant. By adopting an inductive, grounded, comparative case studies of eight leading nuclear energy countries the two authors not only illuminate commonalities but provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics of each case. -- Trevor Findlay, Harvard University, USA A salient contribution to the field, Sovacool and Valentine provide a novel interdisciplinary analysis encompassing a wide range of social, political, market and ideological factors affecting the development and deployment of nuclear technology. The comprehensive approach gives readers an exceptionally clear assessment of how nuclear power has developed, and continues to evolve, in a variety of different markets. -- Antony Froggatt, Chatham House, London, UK.