ABSTRACT
The paper identifies and discusses several factors likely to affect support for internationalization of the nuclear fuel cycle by the United States and other countries. After examining notable changes in US non-proliferation policies during 1976, 1977 and 1978, attention is called to INFCE and to the 1980 NPT Review Conference as notable factors that can affect internationalization. The analysis then considers several other factors, including the outlook for the world’s economies and energy suppliers, the future of nuclear power and the current state of US nuclear influence. The author concludes that the promise of internationalization provides reason to proceed, but cautions that many factors can influence the ultimate outcome. It is suggested that these need attention to avoid surprises and the temptation to assume that the expected non-proliferation benefits of internationalization are sufficient in themselves to assure its success.
