Nuclear Program Research Articles

Türkiye’s nuclear energy aspirations: policy challenges and legal trajectory

Abstract This article provides a comprehensive overview of Türkiye’s nuclear energy aspirations, focusing on the historical evolution, international cooperation, organizational structure, legal framework, and policy dimensions. It elaborates on Türkiye’s endeavours to integrate nuclear energy into its national power infrastructure, particularly highlighting the progress made in the development of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Initiated in 1968, the Akkuyu NPP project remained stagnant for decades. It gained momentum in the late 2010s when Rosatom, under an agreement between the Turkish and Russian states, began construction as part of its nuclear export strategy. The article mainly discusses the significant legislative and regulatory advancements made post-2021, propelled by the near completion of the Akkuyu NPP. These actions signify a crucial phase in creating a robust legal framework for nuclear energy in Türkiye. Moreover, the article presents proposals for law and policy, considering geopolitical, economic, and technical constraints, to guide the future direction of Türkiye’s domestic nuclear energy programme. In conclusion, the evolution of nuclear energy law in Türkiye, highlighted by the development of the Akkuyu NPP and subsequent legal and regulatory measures, presents an essential case study.

O uso da realidade virtual no desenvolvimento de um sistema colaborativo para simulação de segurança física em instalações nucleares

In recent years, the importance of improving physical protection in nuclear facilities has been observed, mainly due to the increasing progress of the Brazilian nuclear program. Physical protection requires great attention and strategies that must be designed, tested and improved in order to maintain the physical integrity of the facilities and population. These strategies should be tested in exercises to see if the physical protection plan - PPP is in accordance with the actual conditions of the facility, such as: visibility of the borders and terrain, number and equipment of the team in charge of defense (security guards), detection equipment and access times of central security point agents to the places where suspicious activities have been detected. In this sense, this article aimed to develop a tool that allow the visualization and planning of action strategies in a virtual environment, aiming to improve security. A virtual model of the Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear (IEN) was created, with close representations of reality and the virtual characters can transit and interact in real time. Various situations that affect the visibility and detection of opponents, such as natural and artificial lighting, climatic phenomena, shadows and others can be simulated with a high degree of realism. In addition, the tool has a surveillance system through virtual cameras, enabling monitoring of the environment. Thus, this system will allow to simulate approach strategies, allowing an evaluation of the procedures performed, as well as assist in physical protection training in radioactive and nuclear facilities.

Analysis and prospect of DPRK nuclear issue based on “Strategic logic of nuclear proliferation”

ABSTRACT The nuclear proliferation of the DPRK poses an existential threat to the ROK and Northeast Asia. Analyzing this situation using the framework of the “Strategic Logic of Nuclear Proliferation,” it becomes evident that the DPRK's interactions with China, ROK, and the US have facilitated its development. This indicates the fulfilment of both “Willingness” and “Opportunity” factors necessary for proliferation. To put it differently, the low cost of the nuclear programme, the high cost of preventive war, and the substantial security benefits of proliferation have rendered it feasible. Depending on the strategies and policies pursued by the related states and their interactions, the future of the DPRK nuclear issue will unfold in one of three directions: (1) reinforcement, (2) denuclearisation, or (3) status quo. Consequently, to address effectively the DPRK's nuclear problem, it is imperative to enhance cooperation with China, and strengthen the regime for controlling nuclear-related materials and technologies.

Activities of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Ukrainian SSR Pavlo Yakovlevych Meshyk (1953)

The article examines the insufficiently studied in historical and legal science issue of the activities of such a controversial political figure of the first post-Stalin months of 1953 as Pavlo Yakovlevych Meshyk. It is emphasised that he, having a university degree (which was rare for NKVD personnel in those years) and significant organisational skills, made a successful career in the central apparatus of the People’s Commissariat in the late 1930s. This was also due to the patronage of P. Meshyk by L. Beria. P. Meshyk was directly involved in Stalin’s repressions. In 1941, at the age of 30, he first became People’s Commissar for State Security of the Ukrainian SSR. In 1943, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. From 1945 until March 1953, he worked on the implementation of the Soviet nuclear project. He was awarded the Order of Lenin (1949) for his active participation in the implementation of the nuclear programme, and later even received the Stalin Prize in Science and Technology (1951). In March 1953, he was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic, where he pursued a policy of strengthening the rule of law in the activities of the state security agencies and purging them of the most odious and incompetent employees. At the same time, a policy was implemented to rid the state security agencies of their dependence on the influence of the Communist Party. At the same time, P. Meshyk came into conflict with some party officials, including the then leader of the republic, the first secretary of the Central Committee of the CP(B)U, L. Melnikov. As a result, L. Melnikov was dismissed. P. Meshyk also took some measures to “root” the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, translated the ministry’s office work into Ukrainian, eased some of the Soviet government’s repressive policies towards the Ukrainian national liberation movement, actually restored the normal operation of Lviv State University, and improved contacts with Western Ukrainian intellectuals. These were positive aspects of the minister’s activities that can be assessed as attempts at reform. However, P. Meshyk stayed in the post of Minister of the Interior for only three months. In June 1953, he was arrested and later convicted on charges of treason and conspiracy to seize power, and in December of the same year, Meshyk was shot dead. He was partially rehabilitated in 2000.

Combining blockchain and IoT for safe and transparent nuclear waste management: A prototype implementation

Having reliable information regarding the status of nuclear waste along its lifecycle has been identified as a major booster of public confidence in nuclear programs. The technical solutions proposed in the literature to address this issue remain confined to proof-of-concept implementations within the boundaries of individual nuclear plants. In this work, we aim at answering the following question: How can we design a system to monitor the radioactive waste information along its complete lifecycle across different stakeholders, while making such information also safely available to the public when necessary? The proposed system combines IoT and blockchain technology. IoT sensors placed on nuclear waste drums allow to generate information regarding their status in real time. Blockchain provides an immutable repository for the drum monitoring information decentralized across a set of stakeholders, like nuclear waste originators, waste packaging and transportation companies, storage sites, and regulatory bodies. Following the principles of design science research, we describe a prototype implementation of the proposed system based on a private instance of Ethereum and its application in a pseudo-real use case in Korea. The proposed system is the first of its kind evaluated by practitioners and aims to set a reference for future implementations in this field.

Exploring the Zone of Possible Agreement on the Nuclear Issue of the Korean Peninsula

From 2003 to 2009, China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea, and the United States engaged in a series of multilateral negotiations to address North Korea’s nuclear program. On September 19, 2005, the six participants achieved a “gold standard” agreement on denuclearization. North Korea agreed to relinquish all nuclear weapons, abstain from deploying nuclear weapons, and rejoin the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as well as adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The United States affirmed its lack of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and expressed no intention of attacking or invading the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) with nuclear or conventional weapons. China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States concurred to provide energy assistance to the DPRK. Furthermore, the agreement established the principle of “commitment for commitment, action for action,” which holds significance for the spirit of future engagement. The prevailing impasse in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula prompts the inquiry of a possible negotiation model. This paper uses the Harvard negotiation method to examine a zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) between China, North Korea, Russia, and the United States, which culminated in the September 19, 2005 Six Party Talks agreement addressing the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. The first section of the article is devoted to scrutinizing the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA), which facilitated the 2005 agreement. Based on the acquired insights, the second section assesses the prospects for implementing the 2005 Joint Statement in the current context. This section also concentrates on identifying a ZOPA under current conditions, taking into account past experiences and lessons learned from past negotiations.

The role of the UN in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons

According to the UN Charter (Article 26), the UN Security Council is the primary organ responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. Nuclear states agreed to the adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution that provided positive security assurances. The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution №255 on June 19, 1968, was of particular significance. This resolution stipulated that instances of aggression involving the use of nuclear weapons or the threat of such aggression against a non-nuclear-weapon state would require immediate action by the UN Security Council and its permanent members, who are nuclear-armed states.
 The aim of the work is to determine the role of the UN Security Council in the system of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The methodological basis of the study will focus on the analysis and understanding of the impact of the UN Security Council on strategies and measures aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons in the international context.
 The results of our research have shown that the role of the UN Security Council in the disarmament of Iraq’s nuclear program, which could have led to the development of nuclear weapons, proved to be significant. To achieve this, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution №687 adopted on April 3, 1991, the Special Commission (UNSCOM) was established.
 During an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council at the highest level on September 24, 2009, Resolution UN Security Council Resolution № 1887 was adopted, aimed at supporting nuclear non-proliferation, criticizing Iran and North Korea. Resolution №1887 outlines measures to strengthen control and the rights of nuclear-weapon states to demand the return of nuclear materials and equipment in case of violations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty or withdrawal from it. It also involves enhancing security measures for the storage of nuclear materials and strict export controls.
 Conclusions. In our opinion, the powers of the UN Security Council in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction should be utilized more promptly and effectively. The insufficient effectiveness of this international mechanism in preventing proliferation remains a cause for serious concern among UN members worldwide. To enhance the effectiveness of the UN Security Council, we propose the adoption of a comprehensive resolution that includes provisions on the procedure for a state’s withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and its violation of commitments to refrain from acquiring nuclear weapons. This resolution should stipulate the imposition of sanctions against such a state based on a special report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Such a mechanism can ensure an effective impact of the international community on states that withdraw from the NPT.

Exploring the Driving Forces Behind Iran’s Nuclear Deterrence Strategy: A Novel Methodological Approach

ABSTRACT The perplexing nature of Iran’s nuclear program is evident in its simultaneous growth of enrichment capacity and the concurrent denial of any aspirations toward nuclear weapons development. This conundrum calls for a rigorous examination of Iran’s deterrence policy and the identification of obstacles hindering the adoption of a nuclear deterrence strategy. The present study’s contribution is thus twofold. Firstly, employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and the Delphi technique, it delves into the intricacies of Iran’s nuclear policy and identifies thirteen driving factors inhibiting the development of nuclear weapons. Secondly, by employing the DEMATEL technique, the article determines the importance of individual factors on Iran’s nuclear strategy as well as the causal relations among them. This study, which draws on the analysis of original data, concludes by highlighting the pivotal role of the Shia religion and the ideology of leaders in Iran’s way of war and deterrence strategy.

Numerical modeling of Joule heated ceramic melter

Computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer models of waste glass melters are being developed to support the vitrification campaign at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) as part of the United States nuclear waste stewardship and environmental protection programs. The WTP mission aims to achieve the stable and durable processing of vitrified waste in the safest, most efficient, and economical manner possible. Hanford’s tank waste is far more complex and varied than the waste treated by other vitrification facilities and both startup and long-term operational challenges are likely to be even greater than prior experience has shown. There are thousands of different waste compositions, which makes processing the waste a complex and challenging task. Models of test melters, pilot-scale, and full-scale melters have been developed to provide understanding and insight into the various physical and chemical phenomena occurring during vitrification. The results of these modeling activities will be used to support the WTP operations to process legacy nuclear waste into a stable form for disposal.

Highlighting the NIAID Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program's Commitment to Training and Diversifying the Radiation Workforce.

Developing and maintaining a robust and diverse scientific workforce is crucial to advance knowledge, drive innovation, and tackle societal issues that impact the economy and human health. The shortage of trained professionals in radiation and nuclear sciences derives from many factors, such as scarcity of specialized coursework, programming, professional development, and experiential learning at educational institutions, which significantly disrupt the training pipeline. Other challenges include small numbers of faculty and educators with specialized radiation/nuclear expertise that are continually overextended professionally and scientifically, with the burden of training falling on this subset of individuals. Even more alarming is the recent loss of radiobiologists due to increased retirements and deaths, leaving the radiobiology community with a void of mentors and knowledge. Lastly, inconsistency in acquiring stable grant funding to recruit and retain scientists is a major hurdle to training the next generation of radiation and nuclear scientists. Recommendations from the scientific community and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine describe the need to bolster educational resources and provide more hands-on training experiences. Of equal importance was the suggestion that funding agencies provide more opportunities for training and tracking the radiation workforce. The Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), and the Office of Research Training and Special Programs (ORTSP), both within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) are committed to helping to develop and sustain the radiation research workforce. This commentary illustrates the importance of addressing radiation workforce development and outlines steps that the RNCP is taking to help mitigate the issue. In addition, the role for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in helping to increase the number of students trained in the radiation sciences is discussed, and the NIH's DEIA priorities and RNCP efforts to improve DEIA in the research community are highlighted. One of the main goals of this commentary is to provide awareness of available educational (i.e., development of a radiation biologist eBook) and funding resources. A summary of available awards targeting early- to mid-stage investigators and diversity candidates is given, and it is hoped that this list, although not exhaustive and not specific for all focus areas in radiation (e.g., cancer research), will encourage more radiation biologists to explore and apply to these under-utilized opportunities.

Research on Radiation Monitoring Strategy for Spent Fuel Reprocessing Plant Based on Coordination of Nuclear Security Risk and Facility Importance Evaluation

This paper examines a method and scheme for optimizing the allocation of nuclear radiation monitoring resources, based on the analysis of the risk of nuclear security events and the importance of facilities in a spent fuel reprocessing plant. By constructing a nuclear security radiation accident tree for a plant, the importance of different security events was calculated using fuzzy mathematics and expert scoring methods. The importance of each facility was determined by establishing a fuzzy comprehensive decision model, and a resource allocation scheme for nuclear radiation monitoring was proposed based on the importance level of facilities. The research findings demonstrated that the extraction process plant in the main process area, and the centralized control room in the front area of the plant, were of highest importance. Accordingly, three levels of nuclear radiation monitoring programs were established based on the importance of each facility. This study offers theoretical and technical support for the safety management and operation of a spent fuel reprocessing plant. Additionally, the analysis results can serve as a reference for allocating nuclear radiation monitoring resources in various facilities in a reasonable manner.

Cross-sections for nuclear transmutation of long-lived fission product 126Sn using (p,n) reaction

For a sustainable nuclear energy program using fission reactors, the reduction or elimination of long-lived radioactive waste is essential. The hazardous Long-Lived Fission Products (LLFP), which are by-products of the operation of nuclear reactors, need to be converted to short-lived or stable nuclei. For nuclear transmutation, the knowledge of reaction cross-sections is important. The cross-section and half-life for the proton-induced transmutation of the LLFP, [Formula: see text]Sn, produced as nuclear waste from the reactor have been calculated. The cross-section for the (p,n) reaction on unstable [Formula: see text]Sn has been calculated using phenomenological as well as microscopic models of optical potentials and level densities in the framework of the statistical nuclear model using the latest version of the code TALYS-1.96. The Koning–Delaroche (KD) and Jeukenne–Lejeune–Mahaux–Bruyeres (JLMB) optical models, as well as back-shifted Fermi gas model (BFM) and Hartree–Fock (HF) level density, based on the Skyrme force from Gorielys tables, have been used. The renormalized optical model parameters and level density models obtained by comparing cross-sections with data for protons incident on stable [Formula: see text]Sn isotopes were extended to make a prediction of (p,n) cross-section on unstable [Formula: see text]Sn isotope. The excitation function obtained using JLMB-HF calculation for [Formula: see text]Sn reveals a peak at an incident proton energy of 8.5[Formula: see text]MeV with a corresponding cross-section of 269[Formula: see text]mb. It would be of interest to perform experiments for measurements of cross-section where data are unavailable, especially in the peak regions and beyond, to validate the predictions of this work. It is found that for a proton flux of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text], and a peak cross-section calculated using JLMB-HF calculation, the effective half-life of transmutation of [Formula: see text]Sn is about 65 years, thus justifying its feasibility.

Is nuclear energy really sustainable? A critical analysis on the example of the Polish energy transition plan

The Green Deal of the European Union is to be a policy of sustainable transition from the long-term perspective; however, the ambitious plans were confronted with the energy crisis in 2022 and controversial position on two non-renewables: nuclear energy and gas. These have been formally recognized as sustainable energy sources and potential bases for direct investments. This paper deals with the sustainability of nuclear energy in the context of the new taxonomy. It offers a critical review and alternative approaches to the evaluation of the costs and benefits of nuclear energy to illustrate its unsustainability. As a result, a critical evaluation of nuclear energy from the perspective of the key goals of the sustainable energy transition is offered. It determines the most violated areas of the sustainable transition, such as decentralization and civil engagement, safety, and renewability. Additionally, the Polish nuclear program is discussed to illustrate greenwashing and the typical problems in the evaluation of nuclear energy projects. The results suggest that the commercial use of nuclear energy should not be included in the sustainable energy transition programs, although the research on nuclear technologies should be further supported due to the long-lasting consequences of its use since the 1950s.

Breaking the iron triangle around nuclear safety regulation: The cases of France, Japan, and India

AbstractThe International Atomic Energy Agency asserts that the regulation of the safety of civil nuclear power requires national regulatory agencies to be effectively independent. However, in the early years of national civil nuclear power programs national nuclear industries were dominated by iron triangles or subgovernments of powerful actors with an interest in promoting the industry. The creation of an independent safety regulator requires a radical restructuring of the national governance framework. Windows of opportunity or critical junctures for such reform occur only occasionally. This paper examines the cases of France, Japan, and India to identify the factors that determine the degree of success in attempts to break the power of nuclear iron triangles or subgovernments and create an effectively independent regulator. This analysis shows a serious nuclear accident can create the opportunity to dismantle an iron triangle. The extent and speed with which reforms can be implemented depend greatly on pre‐existing and prevailing conditions. Key determinants include the power structures and attitudes toward nuclear power in elite politics, the degree of engagement of civil society, and pressures from international organizations. Of these, the first, elite politics, appears to be the most important in these three cases.

A-Bomb for the People? When Leaders Cue the Public in Nuclear Decision-Making

Abstract In building indigenous nuclear weapon programs, leaders have incentives to keep their plans secret, and several have. Domestic populations may limit the flexibility of the program, and international scrutiny could lead to sanctions or even military strikes. And yet, many leaders have cued the public to their nuclear ambitions. Why do leaders cue these audiences to their nuclear intentions when doing so could lead to both internal and external constraints from public awareness and foreign pressure? Using qualitative evidence from past cases of elite cueing, this article offers a theoretical examination of why some leaders choose to involve the public despite—or sometimes because of—the constraints that attention can impose. We describe six types of cueing logics based on the level of development of the nuclear program and the intended audience. Understanding the rationales behind such cues is not just of historical significance; these cues remain relevant as several states continue to pursue nuclear technologies—capabilities that can be used for peaceful purposes or repurposed for nuclear weapons. In other words, nuclear cueing is an important and overlooked aspect of research on nuclear proliferation.

M-FISH evaluation of chromosome aberrations to examine for historical exposure to ionising radiation due to participation at British nuclear test sites

Veterans of the British nuclear testing programme represent a population of ex-military personnel who had the potential to be exposed to ionising radiation through their participation at nuclear testing sites in the 1950s and 1960s. In the intervening years, members of this population have raised concerns about the status of their health and that of their descendants, as a consequence. Radiation dose estimates based on film badge measurements of external dose recorded at the time of the tests suggest any exposure to be limited for the majority of personnel, however, only ∼20% of personnel were monitored and no measurement for internalised exposure are on record. Here, to in-part address families concerns, we assay for chromosomal evidence of historical radiation exposure in a group of aged nuclear test (NT) veterans, using multiplex in situ hybridisation (M-FISH), for comparison with a matched group of veterans who were not present at NT sites. In total, we analysed 9379 and 7698 metaphase cells using M-FISH (24-colour karyotyping) from 48 NT and 38 control veteran samples, representing veteran servicemen from the army, Royal Airforce and Royal Navy. We observed stable and unstable simple- and complex-type chromosome aberrations in both NT and control veterans’ samples, however find no significant difference in yield of any chromosome aberration type between the two cohorts. We do observe higher average frequencies of complex chromosome aberrations in a very small subset of veterans previously identified as having a higher potential for radiation exposure, which may be indicative of internalised contamination to long-lived radionuclides from radiation fallout. By utilising recently published whole genome sequence analysis data of a sub-set of the same family groups, we examined for but found no relationship between paternal chromosome aberration burden, germline mutation frequency and self-reported concerns of adverse health in family members, suggesting that the previously reported health issues by participants in this study are unlikely to be associated with historical radiation exposure. We did observe a small number of families, representing both control and NT cohorts, showing a relationship between paternal chromosome aberrations and germline mutation sub-types which should be explored in future studies. In conclusion, we find no cytogenetic evidence of historical radiation exposure in the cohort of nuclear veterans sampled here, offering reassurance that attendance at NTs sites by the veterans sampled here, was not associated with significant levels of exposure to radiation.

Negligible radiological impact of Indian nuclear power plants on the environment and the public: Findings from a 20-year study

Nuclear power plants, recognized for their extended operational life, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and high-power density, are deemed as reliable energy sources. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the radioactive discharges from these plants and their potential impact on health and the environment. To comprehend the radiological implications of such releases, this study presents, for the first time, an analysis of radiological data from 7 Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs), collected by Indian environmental survey laboratories (ESL) over the past two decades (2000-2020). This dataset encompasses radioactivity concentrations in the atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a 30 km radius of each NPP, as well as the annual cumulative external gamma doses recorded by environmental thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). The analysis yielded several key findings: (i) Radioactivity concentrations around the NPPs were low and comparable to values measured at other nuclear power plant sites worldwide; (ii) Tritium concentrations in receiving water bodies were <1 % of the internationally recommended limit of 10,000 Bq/l; (iii) The estimated total radiation doses to the public were at most 10 % of the stipulated regulatory dose limit of 1000 μSv and consistently decreased over the study period and (iv) Variations in doses among the NPP sites were primarily attributed to legacy technology used in specific reactors. These results indicate efficient and secure reactor operations and the minimal contribution of Indian nuclear power plants to anthropogenic doses in the country. The findings hold potential significance for reinforcing India's commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.

African Nuclear Educational Network (AFRA-NEST): Assessment, challenges, and the way forward

As eleven African countries are planning or moving ahead with the implementation of national nuclear programs, the role of nuclear education networks in preparing the needed national workforce cannot be underestimated. A 2022 IAEA publication on Nuclear Educational Networks benchmarked the different nuclear networks. It suffices to mention that; as of 2022; the African Nuclear Educational Network, AFRA-NEST, does not have a network platform and the position of the regional coordinator is vacant. Also, the network did not witness any major activities since nearly 2013. This opinion paper is an attempt to better understand the history and status of AFRA-NEST, address the challenges and provide some recommendations on re-activating it to cope with the ongoing nuclear activities in Africa.

Halban’s ‘Diplomatic Flu’: A Case Study in Nuclear Diplomacy in World War II

ABSTRACT This article recounts an incident in Anglo-American nuclear diplomacy during the Second World War, in which Hans Halban – a French physicist researching nuclear fission on behalf of the British government at a joint Anglo-Canadian research facility in Montreal – was forbidden to participate in technical discussions with his American counterparts. This previously neglected incident usefully highlights the complex and contested nature of Anglo-American nuclear diplomacy during the Second World War. In February 1943 Halban had been invited to participate in a discussion concerning his work on heavy water, a topic with immense potential significance to the American nuclear programme. The invite came at a low point in Anglo-American nuclear relations. Interchange between the two states had effectively ceased. Fearing that allowing the trip might weaken the British negotiating position, Halban’s superiors sought to forbid the discussion, and at first instructed Halban to fake an illness to excuse his non-attendance. This ruse was eventually abandoned, but the trip was nevertheless cancelled. The article provides a granular contextualised account of these events and the British rationale throughout. Focussing on the perspectives of scientists and administrators in this period directs attention away from the interpersonal diplomacy of Churchill and Roosevelt towards a more nuanced understanding of the drivers of wartime nuclear diplomacy. The inter-connection of the various tiers of relationships within the allied nuclear programmes is emphasised and the importance of technical considerations in the overall construction of allied nuclear policy demonstrated. Canada’s significance in wartime nuclear diplomacy is also highlighted.

Introduction: Resistance and Survival – The Nuclear Era in the Pacific

ABSTRACT For many decades, historians, researchers, and participants have documented the history of the nuclear era in the Pacific Islands. They have highlighted the legacy of health and environmental impacts of 50 years of nuclear testing by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France between 1946 and 1996. Most official histories of Pacific nuclear testing present extensive technical detail of the development of nuclear weapons, evidence of inter-departmental rivalries, and vivid portraits of the scientists who built the Bomb. This state-sponsored literature, however, makes limited reference to the lived experience of the civilian and military personnel who staffed the test sites, or the Indigenous peoples whose land and waters were used for the testing programmes in Oceania. Despite a growing international literature on the health and environmental impacts of nuclear testing, the history of Pacific Islander resistance to the nuclear testing programmes is more fragmentary. In response, the authors in this special issue have foregrounded the agency of Indigenous activists, rather than the Western allies who campaigned alongside the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) movement. Their contributions add to a growing body of personal testimony by Indigenous nuclear survivors and resisters from around Oceania. This special issue includes a 1954 petition from Marshall Islanders to the UN Trusteeship Council, an example of the protests by Islanders that began in the 1950s, pre-dating the rise of the wider NFIP movement in the 1970s. Other articles highlight Fiji’s early foreign policy and the importance of the debate over nuclear testing in the formation of the South Pacific Forum; the importance of culture in Pacific anti-nuclear activism, through song, poetry, graphic design, and community theatre; the role of the regional NFIP movement in linking local struggles to the wider regional context, through pan-Pacific, Indigenous-led activism around self-determination; and connections between the NFIP movement and solidarity movements in the Global North.