Modernization of nuclear weapons: Aspiring to “indefinite retention”?

Acheson, Ray

doi:10.1177/0096340212459038

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The nuclear powers of course have not achieved disarmament and are, on the contrary, pursuing modernization of their arsenals (Acheson, 2012). If France continued on this nuclear military path as it was shuttering its own nuclear power industry, the future of Areva itself could come into question.…”

Section: Human Security and The Nuclear Regimementioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear chromosomes: The national security implications of a French nuclear exit

Bouveret¹,

Barrillot²,

Lalanne³

2013

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

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The French political consensus supports both civilian and military nuclear programs as part of a national identity that presupposes FranceÕs global influence. It is technically possible for the French government to maintain its nuclear deterrent force as it is today without a civilian nuclear power industry; the channels of production of weapons and their delivery systems are distinct from those used for the power industry. Because many aspects of the civilian and military nuclear programs have been intertwined for decades, however, the end of financing for civilian nuclear research projects would increase the cost of maintaining the nuclear arsenal. And in France, the link between the civilian and military nuclear sectors is far more than a budgetary matter. From its beginnings after World War II, the French nuclear effort has occupied an exalted position in the countryÕs national identity. In fact, one could reasonably argue that it would take a reimagining of that identity, and a reconsideration of FranceÕs nuclear deterrent, before a French exit from civilian nuclear power could become a serious possibility.

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Section: Human Security and The Nuclear Regimementioning

confidence: 99%

Nuclear chromosomes: The national security implications of a French nuclear exit

Bouveret¹,

Barrillot²,

Lalanne³

2013

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Actors are unlikely to relinquish their major sources of status and prestige. Despite a regularity in quantitative disarmament, the role of nuclear weapons has not decreased, which indicates plans for retention (Acheson, 2012). Tackling the underlying reasons States are drawn to maintaining nuclear weapons -such as their status symbolismmight pave the way for more successful disarmament efforts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%