The nuclear disaster at Fukushima has raised questions about the nature of democratic policymaking in Japan. Focusing on nuclear policymaking post-Fukushima, this paper considers ways in which the diversity of public ...The nuclear disaster at Fukushima has raised questions about the nature of democratic policymaking in Japan. Focusing on nuclear policymaking post-Fukushima, this paper considers ways in which the diversity of public opinion can be connected with legislative processes. The disaster forced the government to rethink existing nuclear policies. To infuse public voices into government policy, the Democratic Party of Japan （DPJ） government introduced a new method of public participation called ＂national debates＂, comprising a series of public hearings, mass public comments, and deliberative polling. The government also attached importance to anti-nuclear rallies and opinion polls conducted by the media. The national debates highlighted that the majority of Japanese people supported a nuclear-free society; as a result, the government drafted a new energy plan to phase out nuclear power by 2039. Owing to both domestic and international opposition, the plan failed to become law. Progress was also impeded by the public＇s contradictory demands. However, this paper posits that inefficient legislative deliberation was the main factor behind the policy failure. The Japanese case suggests that effective legislative deliberation is crucial to assessing and coordinating numerous divergent public voices.展开更多
Dependency of the human on the energy is ever-increasing today and the energy policies are reaching undeniable and un-ignorable dimensions steering the political events as well. Therefore, access to the energy and/or ...Dependency of the human on the energy is ever-increasing today and the energy policies are reaching undeniable and un-ignorable dimensions steering the political events as well. Therefore, access to the energy and/or energy resources is becoming the highest priority for the countries. In this study, the criteria that have to be kept in view while creating the energy policies are explained first of all. Then the geopolitics, redundancy and diversity are described as the strategic criteria and furthermore, the availability, energy resources geography, and the technological, economical and environmental criteria are examined as the operative criteria and thereafter the issues such as installation period, utilization period, reliability, repair-maintenance and public validation are handled as the tactical criteria. The nuclear power plants are examined and evaluated according to the criteria set forth above while creating the energy policies. Under the light of this evaluation, the situation is examined and explicated in terms of the energy expansion of Turkey. Thus the place of the nuclear energy in the energy expansion of Turkey is clarified and emphasized.展开更多
The present situation in Poland and Europe, regarding electric power generation by source, is discussed in the paper. The results of the implementation of EU competitive-low-carbon economy policy in some most develope...The present situation in Poland and Europe, regarding electric power generation by source, is discussed in the paper. The results of the implementation of EU competitive-low-carbon economy policy in some most developed countries in the continent, have given already good experimental data for evaluation of this strategy. Analysis of the reports provided by official sources for Germany, Denmark and Finland is a base for EU energy policy evaluation. The combustion technologies will be a main energy sources for many years from now. Therefore effects of fossil fuels and biomass combustion on the environment are presented briefly. Finally, the developments regarding Polish Nuclear Energy Programme are overviewed.展开更多
This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contex...This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contextualization for the analysis of foreign policy. The article＇s main argument is that Iranian foreign policy towards these regions in the last 25 years, although the result of a complex and multi-layered decision-making process, has been led by two unifying long-term objectives： regional stability and national security. In order to demonstrate this argument, the article undertakes a factual analysis focusing on the role Iran played during the main regional conflicts that have occurred since the Soviet Union＇s collapse in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the diplomatic re-engagement Iran has been building with the countries of these two regions after the end of the Iran nuclear deal. Standard interpretations of Iran＇s foreign policy define it as a player with hegemonic ambitions whose foreign policy is mainly led by ideological factors. This paper assumes that foreign policy＇s analysis needs time and space contextualization. Once historical and geographical factors are taken into account----of which the most important are Iran＇s proximity to Russia and Afghanistan along with its international diplomatic isolation due to nuclear sanctions--then Iran＇s foreign policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus appears to be that of a regional power interested in maintaining the existing status quo. Stability and territorial integrity in these two regions in fact are seen by Teheran as necessary conditions for Iran＇s own territorial integrity and internal security. The paper is based on both secondary and primary sources, most of them official statements, all in the public domain.展开更多
Contamination of soil, water or air, due to a failure of containment or disposal of high level nuclear wastes, can potentially cause serious hazards to the environment or human health. Essential elements of the enviro...Contamination of soil, water or air, due to a failure of containment or disposal of high level nuclear wastes, can potentially cause serious hazards to the environment or human health. Essential elements of the environment and radioactivity dangers to it are illustrated. Issues of high level nuclear waste disposal are discussed with a focus on thermodynamic equilibrium and environment ethics. Major aspects of the issues are analyzed and described briefly to build a perception of risks involved and ethical implications. Nuclear waste containment repository should be as close as possible to thermodynamic equilibrium. A clear demonstration about safety aspects of nuclear waste management is required in gaining public and political confidence in any possible scheme of permanent disposal. Disposal of high level nuclear waste offers a spectrum of environment connected challenges and a long term future of nuclear power depends on the environment friendly solution of the problem of nuclear wastes.展开更多
This paper details the prospects for a civil nuclear power station in Estonia. Due to its climate change commitments, Estonia needs a new source of electricity provision. There is little academic literature on Estonia...This paper details the prospects for a civil nuclear power station in Estonia. Due to its climate change commitments, Estonia needs a new source of electricity provision. There is little academic literature on Estonia, and this research builds upon previous work but is more detailed in its analysis with primary data included in the form of interviews with Estonian energy industry experts. All the conditions that have led to nuclear energy being considered as an option are assessed, along with why it represents the most strategic path for Estonia in terms of electricity provision. Through the interview analysis a framework is established and advanced for the successful initiation of a national nuclear power plant project. This research is therefore of high value for small EU countries who intend to consider nuclear energy as an option in their energy mix or have more advanced plans to develop a nuclear program.展开更多
This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of national security policies in the realm of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.From the present landscape characterized by the diversification...This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of national security policies in the realm of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.From the present landscape characterized by the diversification of energy portfolios to the long-term vision encompassing nuclear fusion,this article navigates through the nuanced interplay of technology,resilience,and environmental responsibility.The synthesis of established nuclear fission technologies and evolving renewable sources forms the cornerstone of a strategic approach,addressing challenges and opportunities to ensure a secure,sustainable energy future.展开更多
Germany has been an important participant in the resolution ofthe Iranian nuclear issue, and the evolution of the Iranian nuclearcrisis has become a major event in the international communityat the beginning of the 21...Germany has been an important participant in the resolution ofthe Iranian nuclear issue, and the evolution of the Iranian nuclearcrisis has become a major event in the international communityat the beginning of the 21st century. The U.S. pursued unilateralismand hegemony, advocating unilateral sanctions and coercivemeans to solve the problem, while the EU, led by Germany,adhered to multilateralism and advocated a peaceful solutionthrough negotiations and other means. After Merkel came topower, she promptly adjusted her policy towards the U.S., madethe U.S. accept the EU proposal, shaped Germany into a role thatis bold to challenge and take responsibility in the face of crises,pushed the UN Security Council to reach multilateral sanctionsand comprehensive EU sanctions against Iran, and finally reachedthe Iran nuclear deal. This journey fully demonstrates Germany’spursuit of foreign policy autonomy in the post-Cold War era, balancingthe two pillars of foreign policy towards Europe and theU.S. in pursuit of its own interests.展开更多
文摘The nuclear disaster at Fukushima has raised questions about the nature of democratic policymaking in Japan. Focusing on nuclear policymaking post-Fukushima, this paper considers ways in which the diversity of public opinion can be connected with legislative processes. The disaster forced the government to rethink existing nuclear policies. To infuse public voices into government policy, the Democratic Party of Japan （DPJ） government introduced a new method of public participation called ＂national debates＂, comprising a series of public hearings, mass public comments, and deliberative polling. The government also attached importance to anti-nuclear rallies and opinion polls conducted by the media. The national debates highlighted that the majority of Japanese people supported a nuclear-free society; as a result, the government drafted a new energy plan to phase out nuclear power by 2039. Owing to both domestic and international opposition, the plan failed to become law. Progress was also impeded by the public＇s contradictory demands. However, this paper posits that inefficient legislative deliberation was the main factor behind the policy failure. The Japanese case suggests that effective legislative deliberation is crucial to assessing and coordinating numerous divergent public voices.
文摘Dependency of the human on the energy is ever-increasing today and the energy policies are reaching undeniable and un-ignorable dimensions steering the political events as well. Therefore, access to the energy and/or energy resources is becoming the highest priority for the countries. In this study, the criteria that have to be kept in view while creating the energy policies are explained first of all. Then the geopolitics, redundancy and diversity are described as the strategic criteria and furthermore, the availability, energy resources geography, and the technological, economical and environmental criteria are examined as the operative criteria and thereafter the issues such as installation period, utilization period, reliability, repair-maintenance and public validation are handled as the tactical criteria. The nuclear power plants are examined and evaluated according to the criteria set forth above while creating the energy policies. Under the light of this evaluation, the situation is examined and explicated in terms of the energy expansion of Turkey. Thus the place of the nuclear energy in the energy expansion of Turkey is clarified and emphasized.
文摘The present situation in Poland and Europe, regarding electric power generation by source, is discussed in the paper. The results of the implementation of EU competitive-low-carbon economy policy in some most developed countries in the continent, have given already good experimental data for evaluation of this strategy. Analysis of the reports provided by official sources for Germany, Denmark and Finland is a base for EU energy policy evaluation. The combustion technologies will be a main energy sources for many years from now. Therefore effects of fossil fuels and biomass combustion on the environment are presented briefly. Finally, the developments regarding Polish Nuclear Energy Programme are overviewed.
文摘This paper focuses on Iran＇s foreign policy towards the Caucasus and Central Asia regions in the post-Soviet Union era, using a theoretical approach which stresses the importance of historical and geographical contextualization for the analysis of foreign policy. The article＇s main argument is that Iranian foreign policy towards these regions in the last 25 years, although the result of a complex and multi-layered decision-making process, has been led by two unifying long-term objectives： regional stability and national security. In order to demonstrate this argument, the article undertakes a factual analysis focusing on the role Iran played during the main regional conflicts that have occurred since the Soviet Union＇s collapse in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the diplomatic re-engagement Iran has been building with the countries of these two regions after the end of the Iran nuclear deal. Standard interpretations of Iran＇s foreign policy define it as a player with hegemonic ambitions whose foreign policy is mainly led by ideological factors. This paper assumes that foreign policy＇s analysis needs time and space contextualization. Once historical and geographical factors are taken into account----of which the most important are Iran＇s proximity to Russia and Afghanistan along with its international diplomatic isolation due to nuclear sanctions--then Iran＇s foreign policy in Central Asia and the Caucasus appears to be that of a regional power interested in maintaining the existing status quo. Stability and territorial integrity in these two regions in fact are seen by Teheran as necessary conditions for Iran＇s own territorial integrity and internal security. The paper is based on both secondary and primary sources, most of them official statements, all in the public domain.
文摘Contamination of soil, water or air, due to a failure of containment or disposal of high level nuclear wastes, can potentially cause serious hazards to the environment or human health. Essential elements of the environment and radioactivity dangers to it are illustrated. Issues of high level nuclear waste disposal are discussed with a focus on thermodynamic equilibrium and environment ethics. Major aspects of the issues are analyzed and described briefly to build a perception of risks involved and ethical implications. Nuclear waste containment repository should be as close as possible to thermodynamic equilibrium. A clear demonstration about safety aspects of nuclear waste management is required in gaining public and political confidence in any possible scheme of permanent disposal. Disposal of high level nuclear waste offers a spectrum of environment connected challenges and a long term future of nuclear power depends on the environment friendly solution of the problem of nuclear wastes.
文摘This paper details the prospects for a civil nuclear power station in Estonia. Due to its climate change commitments, Estonia needs a new source of electricity provision. There is little academic literature on Estonia, and this research builds upon previous work but is more detailed in its analysis with primary data included in the form of interviews with Estonian energy industry experts. All the conditions that have led to nuclear energy being considered as an option are assessed, along with why it represents the most strategic path for Estonia in terms of electricity provision. Through the interview analysis a framework is established and advanced for the successful initiation of a national nuclear power plant project. This research is therefore of high value for small EU countries who intend to consider nuclear energy as an option in their energy mix or have more advanced plans to develop a nuclear program.
文摘This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of national security policies in the realm of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.From the present landscape characterized by the diversification of energy portfolios to the long-term vision encompassing nuclear fusion,this article navigates through the nuanced interplay of technology,resilience,and environmental responsibility.The synthesis of established nuclear fission technologies and evolving renewable sources forms the cornerstone of a strategic approach,addressing challenges and opportunities to ensure a secure,sustainable energy future.
文摘Germany has been an important participant in the resolution ofthe Iranian nuclear issue, and the evolution of the Iranian nuclearcrisis has become a major event in the international communityat the beginning of the 21st century. The U.S. pursued unilateralismand hegemony, advocating unilateral sanctions and coercivemeans to solve the problem, while the EU, led by Germany,adhered to multilateralism and advocated a peaceful solutionthrough negotiations and other means. After Merkel came topower, she promptly adjusted her policy towards the U.S., madethe U.S. accept the EU proposal, shaped Germany into a role thatis bold to challenge and take responsibility in the face of crises,pushed the UN Security Council to reach multilateral sanctionsand comprehensive EU sanctions against Iran, and finally reachedthe Iran nuclear deal. This journey fully demonstrates Germany’spursuit of foreign policy autonomy in the post-Cold War era, balancingthe two pillars of foreign policy towards Europe and theU.S. in pursuit of its own interests.
