New book: Governing the Atom: The Politics of Risk
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New book
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Governing the Atom: The Politics of Risk
By John Byrne and Steven M. Hoffman, editors. 1996.
Publisher: Transaction Publishers.
Energy and Environmental Policy Series, Volume 7
Promoted as a form of limitless, low-cost energy without the
polluting effects of its fossil fuel counterparts, nuclear power
has enjoyed unparalleled support in several countries. Despite the
development of an extensive set of policy and institutional
mechanisms to foster its use, nuclear technology has been troubled
by a wide range of problems and continues to pose risks many
believe are far greater than society should accept. The legacy of
failure ranges from catastrophic accidents like that at Chernobyl
to the declaration of bankruptcy by the Washington Public Power
Supply System. "Governing the Atom" explores why support for the
technology remains substantial.
The first part of this volume examines the social institutions
that have accompanied the development of nuclear power. The second
part details the numerous accommodations which have been required of
society, beginning with the technology's impact on communities and
geographic regions particularly affected by mining and milling. The
technology's inherent tendency towards "normal" accidents" and the
conflict between expert and public opinion on the dangers involved
is examined, as are the on-going problems of waste disposal and
decommissioning. The volume concludes with an examination of
nuclear power developments in France, Germany, Russia and the
Commonwealth of Independent States, Eastern Europe, Korea, and Japan.
The volume provides a needed vehicle for the timely consultation
and dissemination of current research on important energy policy
issues. "Governing the Atom" provides insightful commentary
regarding the initiation and development of nuclear technology.
It will be of interest to policymakers, energy and environmental
experts, sociologists and historians of technology, and all those
interested in the problem of democracy in a technological society.
About the Editors
John Byrne is the director of the center for energy and environmental
policy research at the University of Delaware and a professor in
the graduate college of urban affairs and public policy.
Steven M. Hoffman is an associate professor of political science
at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, and director
of its environmental studies program. He is also an adjunct
research professor at the center for energy and environmental
policy research at the University of Delaware.
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