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CBRN Brief
Nuclear Energy and Non-proliferation: The Curious Case of India
PR Chari
CBRNIB22-PRChari-NucEnergy.pdf
 
A surface view of the link between nuclear energy and nuclear proliferation may suggest a causal connection. Nuclear technology is dual purpose and Jason-faced. Nuclear reactors can not only generate power and produce isotopes for agricultural, medical and industrial applications but also manufacture fissile materials for weapons purposes. Moreover, Murphy’s Law is inexorable; it postulates that if anything can go wrong in a human activity, then, it will go wrong over a period of time.
More nuclear reactors imply more plutonium being produced and more uranium fuel being needed, which raises the dangers of nuclear proliferation-- both horizontal (more actors) and vertical (more weapons).  An increase in the number of nuclear reactors could thus lead to the number of State and non-State nuclear actors increasing, and nuclear proliferation resulting. Murphy’s Law also postulates that the number of accidents will increase, enlarging the problems of nuclear safety and security. In reality, the link between nuclear energy and nuclear proliferation is  very  complex and relates closely to issues of national security, external threats but, also  domestic compulsions.  
Clearly, no energy source is free of problems


 
 
 
 

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