This Policy Research Project will produce cross-national case studies of past efforts to recycle plutonium (a highly toxic, nuclear weapons-usable material) as fuel in nuclear power reactors – focusing on economic, environmental and security concerns. The methodology is expected to include field research in Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. A primary aim is to inform ongoing decision-making in East Asia about whether to recycle plutonium for energy.
Requirements and Expectations
Requirements: class attendance, reading, mid-term exam, research design, long research paper,revisions to research paper, contributions to course website. Many students will conduct field research;a few will participate in briefings.
Readings
No text required. Weekly reading averages 100 pages during weeks with reading.