Perspectives on the worldwide debate and public opinion on nuclear power

A review is presented of the development and current status of the nuclear debate in the United States and selected European countries. American nuclear information and spokesmen have had, and will continue to have, strong influence on the determination of the major features of the worldwide nuclear controversy. Particular emphasis is placed on the assessment of the presently inadequately evaluated public opinion concerning the past and future implementation of nuclear energy. Nuclear power questions are commonly burdened by the association of nuclear power proliferation with the development or continuation of energy intensive societies, and the consequences for the individual. (author)