Chapter 9. Exporting policies. Paper 15. Nuclear exporting policies

The paper gives an overview of export policies in the field of nuclear energy, as part of the international non-proliferation regime, and of possible measures to overcome present resistance to those policies. Nuclear exporters are collaborating to work out joint policies in regard to the supply of nuclear material, equipment and technology, in the interest of non-proliferation. Some have adopted far-reaching constraints in this respect, although there are still some apparent divergences in approach. The actual or potential recipients of such supplies, particularly among Third World nations, emphasize their right to obtain all materials and equipment and every form of technology they consider necessary for their economic development. Those nations express their disagreement with constraints imposed by supplier states that go beyond the traditional safeguards requirements. Increasing resistance to the latters' policies is being expressed in such multilateral fora as the United Nations and the IAEA. The paper traces the export policies of supplier states and refers to their awareness that non-proliferation policies can be effective only if they are acceptable to both industrialized and Third World states. INFCE is one route that might lead to a consensus on measures to promote nuclear energy without increasing proliferation risks. But there is no simple 'technological fix' both capable of ensuring this end and acceptable to all concerned. Rather, it will be necessary to adopt a series of promotional and restrictive measures which, taken together, could constitute a new non-proliferation regime that could be effective because it is based on broad international consensus. (author)