Publication Laka-library:
International response to Japanese Plutonium Programs (1995)
| Author | Skolnikoff, T.Suzuki, Oye |
| Date | August 1995 |
| Classification | 4.21.5.20/01 (JAPAN - REPROCESSING) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES TO JAPANESE PLUTONIUM PROGRAMS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Abstract Japanese plutonium programs have aroused considerable concern from a variety of sources abroad. These concerns have been raised by disparate individuals, nations and organizations and have persisted notwithstanding Japanese attention to safety and careful adherence to formal international requirements. This study explores these concerns and makes suggestions that could reduce them and benefit the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. International apprehension over Japanese plutonium programs is fueled by their implications for nuclear proliferation, by the unconvincing nature of the official rationales behind the programs, and by lack of appreciation of background factors that are major drivers behind the programs. Stripped of caveats and qualifications, our explanation for these international concerns reduces to the following essentials. First, proceeding with commercial-scale plutonium programs increases the likelihood that other countries will follow the Japanese example, perhaps with less physical security against theft by subnational groups or diversion for weapons use. Long-term R&D intended to maintain technology options as insurance against unfavorable energy developments, on the other band would not raise similar concerns.Second the extensive Japanese commitment to plutonium programs appears to be incommensurate with the benefits advanced in the official rationales for these programs. In an international climate in which safety and proliferation dangers of nuclear energy are considered by many to be of paramount importance, the official rationales of energy security, economic benefits, and environmental advantages are not convincing to away foreign observers. Third, a set of background factors provides a relatively being explanation of these programs. These factors include local politics, the inertia of large organizations, industrial interests, and cultural factors. Insufficient appreciation of these background factors contributes to criticism of Japanese plutonium programs, especially in the light of proliferation risks and skepticism about the official rationales for the programs. This study traces the implications of international responses to the Japanese programs and suggests ways to mitigate international concerns. Our primary recommendations involve modifications of existing programs rather than simple repackaging of existing initiatives. These modifications include diversifying aspects of the fuel cycle program, emphasizing long-term R&D. avoiding premature commercialization of plutonium, opening further the policy process, enhancing confidence-building measures, providing vigorous support for non-proliferation measures, and not encouraging commercial plutonium programs in other countries.
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