Nuclear Power in Brazil
Abstract
To the present time, only the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, and possibly Israel have acquired nuclear weapons. But it is only a matter of time before additional countries join this nuclear club. The prospect of a proliferation chain including Argentina and Brazil has been recognized for some time. Much has been said about Argentine nuclear potential as a result of success in mastering the nuclear fuel cycle, announcements that the country is now capable of making its own nuclear weapons, and statements elaborating that this technology would become a fundamental tool in its foreign policy. The nuclear situation in Brazil, however, remains somewhat obscure. What the further spread of nuclear weapons development capability might do to the international system is a compelling question, but not within the scope of this article. My purpose is more limited: first, to analyze briefly the roots and functioning of Brazilian nuclear development policy in light of the military-political elite's geopolitical thought; and then to examine the basics of the program that Brazil is, in fact, implementing. Through the fusing of attitude and behavior, one can gain a clear picture of the present status of the nuclear industry in Brazil and its possible significance in the hemisphere and the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA523875
Entities
People
- Max G. Manwaring
Organizations
- United States Army War College