Jill Edwards
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198228714
- eISBN:
- 9780191678813
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198228714.003.0012
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
The historiography of Hispano-United States relations during the Cold War has been dominated for the past thirty years by studies of the latter's negotiations for, and signing of, base agreements ...
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The historiography of Hispano-United States relations during the Cold War has been dominated for the past thirty years by studies of the latter's negotiations for, and signing of, base agreements with Spain in September 1953. In the post-Cold War era, the significance of the 1953 agreements lies as much in the light that they cast on Spain's role in the global rivalry between Western powers, and shifting power patterns, as in the impact these had on Spain itself. Striking differences in attitude of the United States and Britain towards Spain illuminate their changing roles in the Western Mediterranean, as the gateway to the Middle East to which the Straits of Gibraltar were the key. The question of the western Mediterranean was always closely bound to Spain's Iberian neighbours, Gibraltar and Portugal. The Rock of Gibraltar was the fortress which had long ensured Britain's access to the Mediterranean. Aside from its celebrated rich resources of mercury, copper, and other minerals, the Spanish potential for uranium bearing ores was also of interest to other countries.Less
The historiography of Hispano-United States relations during the Cold War has been dominated for the past thirty years by studies of the latter's negotiations for, and signing of, base agreements with Spain in September 1953. In the post-Cold War era, the significance of the 1953 agreements lies as much in the light that they cast on Spain's role in the global rivalry between Western powers, and shifting power patterns, as in the impact these had on Spain itself. Striking differences in attitude of the United States and Britain towards Spain illuminate their changing roles in the Western Mediterranean, as the gateway to the Middle East to which the Straits of Gibraltar were the key. The question of the western Mediterranean was always closely bound to Spain's Iberian neighbours, Gibraltar and Portugal. The Rock of Gibraltar was the fortress which had long ensured Britain's access to the Mediterranean. Aside from its celebrated rich resources of mercury, copper, and other minerals, the Spanish potential for uranium bearing ores was also of interest to other countries.
N. Sakai
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198501688
- eISBN:
- 9780191718045
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198501688.003.0010
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
This chapter chronicles the development of the study of ferro- and ferri-magnetic materials through Compton scattering, comparing the information with that obtainable through neutron scattering ...
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This chapter chronicles the development of the study of ferro- and ferri-magnetic materials through Compton scattering, comparing the information with that obtainable through neutron scattering methods. The experimental technique, using circularly polarized synchrotron radiation, is explained. Work in the following categories is reviewed: 3d transition metals, alloys, and compounds; Heusler alloys; amorphous alloys; 4f rare earth metals and alloys, and uranium compounds.Less
This chapter chronicles the development of the study of ferro- and ferri-magnetic materials through Compton scattering, comparing the information with that obtainable through neutron scattering methods. The experimental technique, using circularly polarized synchrotron radiation, is explained. Work in the following categories is reviewed: 3d transition metals, alloys, and compounds; Heusler alloys; amorphous alloys; 4f rare earth metals and alloys, and uranium compounds.
James Goodman and Stuart Rosewarne
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262028806
- eISBN:
- 9780262327077
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262028806.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
If keeping fossil fuels in the ground requires a perceptual shift from viewing them as highly valued, net beneficial resources to seeing them as costly, planetary threats, then Australia’s ...
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If keeping fossil fuels in the ground requires a perceptual shift from viewing them as highly valued, net beneficial resources to seeing them as costly, planetary threats, then Australia’s relationship with uranium mining illustrates both the possibility and the difficulty of making such a shift. James Goodman and Stuart Rosewarne describe the cultural pendulum of legitimization, delegitimization, and, more recently, the possible relegitimization of uranium. They trace the history of ideas and actions of anti-uranium peace activists, labor unions, farmers, and Indigenous peoples who succeeded in convincing the Australian people and their government to impose a moratorium on uranium mining in the mid-1970s, a ban that lasted for almost thirty years. Australia’s action demonstrates that a nation can choose to reject at least some of the enticing promises of easy wealth that can be had by taking stuff out of the ground, and do so based largely on nonmonetary ethical, spiritual, security, health, and human rights grounds.Less
If keeping fossil fuels in the ground requires a perceptual shift from viewing them as highly valued, net beneficial resources to seeing them as costly, planetary threats, then Australia’s relationship with uranium mining illustrates both the possibility and the difficulty of making such a shift. James Goodman and Stuart Rosewarne describe the cultural pendulum of legitimization, delegitimization, and, more recently, the possible relegitimization of uranium. They trace the history of ideas and actions of anti-uranium peace activists, labor unions, farmers, and Indigenous peoples who succeeded in convincing the Australian people and their government to impose a moratorium on uranium mining in the mid-1970s, a ban that lasted for almost thirty years. Australia’s action demonstrates that a nation can choose to reject at least some of the enticing promises of easy wealth that can be had by taking stuff out of the ground, and do so based largely on nonmonetary ethical, spiritual, security, health, and human rights grounds.
Danilo Mandić
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780691187884
- eISBN:
- 9780691200057
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691187884.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Law, Crime and Deviance
This chapter examines the exposure of two nefarious criminal episodes — organ smuggling in Kosovo and highly enriched uranium (HEU) smuggling in South Ossetia — which tested the resolve, ...
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This chapter examines the exposure of two nefarious criminal episodes — organ smuggling in Kosovo and highly enriched uranium (HEU) smuggling in South Ossetia — which tested the resolve, organization, and patriotism of specialized mafias. Caught red-handed, the traffickers tainted separatists' legitimacy as the public scandals provoked repression from international military authorities (in Kosovo) or the host state (in South Ossetia). Damage control was necessary — but only one separatist movement managed it. The chapter compares three dimensions of mafia capacity: infrastructure, regarding control of borders and sites; autonomy, concerning the ability to leverage separatist ideology and instrumentalize movement institutions; and community, apropos levels of fear, discipline, and clan-based solidarity. Nefarious crime harmed Kosovo's separatists less because mafia capacity was greater, thereby containing the damage.Less
This chapter examines the exposure of two nefarious criminal episodes — organ smuggling in Kosovo and highly enriched uranium (HEU) smuggling in South Ossetia — which tested the resolve, organization, and patriotism of specialized mafias. Caught red-handed, the traffickers tainted separatists' legitimacy as the public scandals provoked repression from international military authorities (in Kosovo) or the host state (in South Ossetia). Damage control was necessary — but only one separatist movement managed it. The chapter compares three dimensions of mafia capacity: infrastructure, regarding control of borders and sites; autonomy, concerning the ability to leverage separatist ideology and instrumentalize movement institutions; and community, apropos levels of fear, discipline, and clan-based solidarity. Nefarious crime harmed Kosovo's separatists less because mafia capacity was greater, thereby containing the damage.
Harold A. Feiveson, Alexander Glaser, Zia Mian, and Frank N. von Hippel
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
The global stockpile, continued production and use of plutonium and highly enriched uranium – the fissile materials that are the essential ingredients of nuclear weapons – facilitates proliferation, ...
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The global stockpile, continued production and use of plutonium and highly enriched uranium – the fissile materials that are the essential ingredients of nuclear weapons – facilitates proliferation, increases the risk of nuclear terrorism and is an obstacle to achieving irreversible nuclear disarmament. The book begins by explaining how these materials are used in nuclear weapons, and describes the histories of fissile material production for weapons starting with the United States and including in historical order the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, China, Israel, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and South Africa. It also provides an overview of the current global stockpile of roughly 1900 tons of plutonium and highly enriched uranium – together sufficient for more than 100,000 nuclear weapons – by current or intended use in weapons and reactor fuel. The book then discusses the dangers associated with plutonium separation (reprocessing) and uranium enrichment, which put countries a short step away from nuclear weapons, and it offers a basis for policy initiatives to end the separation of plutonium in civilian nuclear power programs, and the use of highly enriched uranium fuel in research reactors and naval reactors. In its final section, the book assesses the technical and policy issues associated with negotiation of a verifiable Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons and options for the safe and irreversible disposal of current stocks of plutonium and highly enriched uranium.Less
The global stockpile, continued production and use of plutonium and highly enriched uranium – the fissile materials that are the essential ingredients of nuclear weapons – facilitates proliferation, increases the risk of nuclear terrorism and is an obstacle to achieving irreversible nuclear disarmament. The book begins by explaining how these materials are used in nuclear weapons, and describes the histories of fissile material production for weapons starting with the United States and including in historical order the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France, China, Israel, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and South Africa. It also provides an overview of the current global stockpile of roughly 1900 tons of plutonium and highly enriched uranium – together sufficient for more than 100,000 nuclear weapons – by current or intended use in weapons and reactor fuel. The book then discusses the dangers associated with plutonium separation (reprocessing) and uranium enrichment, which put countries a short step away from nuclear weapons, and it offers a basis for policy initiatives to end the separation of plutonium in civilian nuclear power programs, and the use of highly enriched uranium fuel in research reactors and naval reactors. In its final section, the book assesses the technical and policy issues associated with negotiation of a verifiable Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty to end the production of fissile material for weapons and options for the safe and irreversible disposal of current stocks of plutonium and highly enriched uranium.
Harold A. Feiveson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
Fissile materials can sustain a nuclear chain reaction and are used in weapons and as reactor fuels. This chapter explains the production and use of the most common fissile materials, highly enriched ...
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Fissile materials can sustain a nuclear chain reaction and are used in weapons and as reactor fuels. This chapter explains the production and use of the most common fissile materials, highly enriched uranium and plutonium. The highly enriched uranium typically used in weapons is enriched to 90 percent or higher in the isotope uranium-235. Gaseous diffusion was used to produce most of the highly enriched uranium in the world, but has been replaced by gas centrifuge technology. Plutonium is produced from uranium in reactors and separated from spent nuclear fuel in a reprocessing plant. Plutonium of almost any isotopic composition, including that produced in civilian power reactors, is weapons usable. In the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, a gun-type assembly was used to create a supercritical mass of highly enriched uranium able to sustain an explosive chain reaction, while the Nagasaki weapon used a plutonium implosion compression assembly. In modern thermonuclear weapons, an implosion fission “primary” ignites a fusion-fission “secondary.” Such weapons generally typically contain about 3?4 kilograms of plutonium and 15?25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.Less
Fissile materials can sustain a nuclear chain reaction and are used in weapons and as reactor fuels. This chapter explains the production and use of the most common fissile materials, highly enriched uranium and plutonium. The highly enriched uranium typically used in weapons is enriched to 90 percent or higher in the isotope uranium-235. Gaseous diffusion was used to produce most of the highly enriched uranium in the world, but has been replaced by gas centrifuge technology. Plutonium is produced from uranium in reactors and separated from spent nuclear fuel in a reprocessing plant. Plutonium of almost any isotopic composition, including that produced in civilian power reactors, is weapons usable. In the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, a gun-type assembly was used to create a supercritical mass of highly enriched uranium able to sustain an explosive chain reaction, while the Nagasaki weapon used a plutonium implosion compression assembly. In modern thermonuclear weapons, an implosion fission “primary” ignites a fusion-fission “secondary.” Such weapons generally typically contain about 3?4 kilograms of plutonium and 15?25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium.
Harold A. Feiveson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
The production of highly enriched uranium and/or plutonium is the key challenge for a state seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. This chapter summarizes these efforts in the 10 states that have built ...
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The production of highly enriched uranium and/or plutonium is the key challenge for a state seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. This chapter summarizes these efforts in the 10 states that have built nuclear weapons, starting with the World War II United States’ Manhattan Project, which pioneered key technologies and set the template for the nuclear programs to follow. As part of the Cold War arms race, the Soviet Union (Russia) produced both more highly enriched uranium and plutonium than the United States. The United Kingdom, France and China had much smaller scale military fissile material production programs. All five of these states have ended the production of fissile materials for weapons. Israel produces its plutonium in a dedicated reactor and reprocessing plant provided by France. India and North Korea initially focused on plutonium, and Pakistan on highly enriched uranium but all now produce both fissile materials. South Africa based its weapons on indigenously produced highly enriched uranium and has ended production and dismantled all its nuclear weapons.Less
The production of highly enriched uranium and/or plutonium is the key challenge for a state seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. This chapter summarizes these efforts in the 10 states that have built nuclear weapons, starting with the World War II United States’ Manhattan Project, which pioneered key technologies and set the template for the nuclear programs to follow. As part of the Cold War arms race, the Soviet Union (Russia) produced both more highly enriched uranium and plutonium than the United States. The United Kingdom, France and China had much smaller scale military fissile material production programs. All five of these states have ended the production of fissile materials for weapons. Israel produces its plutonium in a dedicated reactor and reprocessing plant provided by France. India and North Korea initially focused on plutonium, and Pakistan on highly enriched uranium but all now produce both fissile materials. South Africa based its weapons on indigenously produced highly enriched uranium and has ended production and dismantled all its nuclear weapons.
Harold A. Feiveson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
Highly enriched uranium (HEU) was used in the Hiroshima bomb, a gun-type device the design of which is well within the capabilities of terrorist groups. This chapter explores the Use of HEU as fuel ...
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Highly enriched uranium (HEU) was used in the Hiroshima bomb, a gun-type device the design of which is well within the capabilities of terrorist groups. This chapter explores the Use of HEU as fuel in research reactors and in naval propulsion reactors and efforts to end such use. Beginning in the 1950s, HEU began being used to fuel research reactors that the United States and Soviet Union exported to about 40 countries. Proliferation concerns led the United States and Soviet Union to launch programs to these reactors to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. Russia, however, has been slow to convert or shut down its own HEU-fueled research reactors which now constitute about half of the global total of about 100. The United States, United Kingdom, Russia and India also use HEU fuel in about 200 naval propulsion reactors, with the United States responsible for over half of the world’s nuclear-powered submarines and ships. Discussion has just begun of a norm that would require future naval reactors to be LEU fuelled, like those already used by France and China.Less
Highly enriched uranium (HEU) was used in the Hiroshima bomb, a gun-type device the design of which is well within the capabilities of terrorist groups. This chapter explores the Use of HEU as fuel in research reactors and in naval propulsion reactors and efforts to end such use. Beginning in the 1950s, HEU began being used to fuel research reactors that the United States and Soviet Union exported to about 40 countries. Proliferation concerns led the United States and Soviet Union to launch programs to these reactors to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. Russia, however, has been slow to convert or shut down its own HEU-fueled research reactors which now constitute about half of the global total of about 100. The United States, United Kingdom, Russia and India also use HEU fuel in about 200 naval propulsion reactors, with the United States responsible for over half of the world’s nuclear-powered submarines and ships. Discussion has just begun of a norm that would require future naval reactors to be LEU fuelled, like those already used by France and China.
Matthew Shindell
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780226662084
- eISBN:
- 9780226662114
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226662114.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
Harold C. Urey's discovery of deuterium and his receipt of the Nobel Prize solidified his reputation as an expert on isotope separation. When the World War II Manhattan Project was organized, Urey's ...
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Harold C. Urey's discovery of deuterium and his receipt of the Nobel Prize solidified his reputation as an expert on isotope separation. When the World War II Manhattan Project was organized, Urey's reputation and his status as a Nobel laureate made him an obvious choice to lead Columbia University's Uranium isotope separation program—the Substitute Alloy Materials Laboratory (SAM Lab). The stress of managing these wartime efforts overwhelmed Urey, who was better suited to experimental work. This stress led Urey to the verge of a nervous breakdown. By the end of the war, Urey was the head of the SAM Lab in name only.Less
Harold C. Urey's discovery of deuterium and his receipt of the Nobel Prize solidified his reputation as an expert on isotope separation. When the World War II Manhattan Project was organized, Urey's reputation and his status as a Nobel laureate made him an obvious choice to lead Columbia University's Uranium isotope separation program—the Substitute Alloy Materials Laboratory (SAM Lab). The stress of managing these wartime efforts overwhelmed Urey, who was better suited to experimental work. This stress led Urey to the verge of a nervous breakdown. By the end of the war, Urey was the head of the SAM Lab in name only.
Edward J. Lincoln
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781479844333
- eISBN:
- 9781479809448
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479844333.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the role of Japan and Korea in Central Asia. As large advanced economies, both countries certainly have the potential to be markets for Central Asian states as well as sources ...
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This chapter examines the role of Japan and Korea in Central Asia. As large advanced economies, both countries certainly have the potential to be markets for Central Asian states as well as sources of imports, inward direct investment, foreign aid, and general foreign policy attention. However, neither country maintains a strong involvement in the region. The Central Asian nations are landlocked at considerable distance from either Japan or Korea, raising the cost of trade. Moreover, neither the Japanese nor the Korean governments appear to view Central Asia as a part of the world with which they have little in common or influence. Nonetheless, both countries have had an interest in Kazakh and Uzbek uranium, as well as Mongolia's potential as a raw material producer.Less
This chapter examines the role of Japan and Korea in Central Asia. As large advanced economies, both countries certainly have the potential to be markets for Central Asian states as well as sources of imports, inward direct investment, foreign aid, and general foreign policy attention. However, neither country maintains a strong involvement in the region. The Central Asian nations are landlocked at considerable distance from either Japan or Korea, raising the cost of trade. Moreover, neither the Japanese nor the Korean governments appear to view Central Asia as a part of the world with which they have little in common or influence. Nonetheless, both countries have had an interest in Kazakh and Uzbek uranium, as well as Mongolia's potential as a raw material producer.
Adam N. Stulberg
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780804784177
- eISBN:
- 9780804785303
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804784177.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
This chapter tackles the puzzle of international fuel supply cooperation. It explains why the historical record of multilateral nuclear approaches (MNAs) is mixed even though internationalizing the ...
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This chapter tackles the puzzle of international fuel supply cooperation. It explains why the historical record of multilateral nuclear approaches (MNAs) is mixed even though internationalizing the nuclear fuel cycle could make markets function more efficiently and reduce the risk of proliferation by eliminating the need for indigenous enrichment or reprocessing facilities. Framing this issue as an international credible commitment problem, the analysis demonstrates that the efficacy of MNAs hinges on the degree of power asymmetry and vulnerability among the bargaining parties. These factors shape the character of risk and trust at issue with reliance on international fuel supply. The evidence from contrasting cases studies of the UAE, South Korea, South Africa, and Kazakhstan shows that countries are most likely to support MNAs when suppliers do not wield sufficient market power to blackmail other states and when customers do not expect to be overly reliant on nuclear energy.Less
This chapter tackles the puzzle of international fuel supply cooperation. It explains why the historical record of multilateral nuclear approaches (MNAs) is mixed even though internationalizing the nuclear fuel cycle could make markets function more efficiently and reduce the risk of proliferation by eliminating the need for indigenous enrichment or reprocessing facilities. Framing this issue as an international credible commitment problem, the analysis demonstrates that the efficacy of MNAs hinges on the degree of power asymmetry and vulnerability among the bargaining parties. These factors shape the character of risk and trust at issue with reliance on international fuel supply. The evidence from contrasting cases studies of the UAE, South Korea, South Africa, and Kazakhstan shows that countries are most likely to support MNAs when suppliers do not wield sufficient market power to blackmail other states and when customers do not expect to be overly reliant on nuclear energy.
Gillian Triggs
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199253784
- eISBN:
- 9780191698163
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199253784.003.0004
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration
This chapter examines one of the crucial new participants in development decisions — indigenous peoples. International and national legal recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples has blended ...
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This chapter examines one of the crucial new participants in development decisions — indigenous peoples. International and national legal recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples has blended with the general movement for public participation. This chapter explores the norms developed at international law to protect the rights of indigenous peoples to participate meaningfully in resource activities on their lands. It also examines the international procedures to which indigenous peoples are appealing for protection. It investigates a case study of the proposal to mine and mill uranium at Jabiluka in central Australia in order to illustrate the powerful impact that community concerns about the environment, cultural, and land rights of indigenous peoples.Less
This chapter examines one of the crucial new participants in development decisions — indigenous peoples. International and national legal recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples has blended with the general movement for public participation. This chapter explores the norms developed at international law to protect the rights of indigenous peoples to participate meaningfully in resource activities on their lands. It also examines the international procedures to which indigenous peoples are appealing for protection. It investigates a case study of the proposal to mine and mill uranium at Jabiluka in central Australia in order to illustrate the powerful impact that community concerns about the environment, cultural, and land rights of indigenous peoples.
Adam Piette
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748635276
- eISBN:
- 9780748651771
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748635276.003.0004
- Subject:
- Literature, 20th-century and Contemporary Literature
This chapter examines the Arctic Cold War and its inclusion in Allan Ginsberg's Kaddish and Nicholas Nabokov's Lolita. The first half of the chapter is devoted to Ginsberg, who first wrote the ...
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This chapter examines the Arctic Cold War and its inclusion in Allan Ginsberg's Kaddish and Nicholas Nabokov's Lolita. The first half of the chapter is devoted to Ginsberg, who first wrote the Kaddish in honour of his mother. It looks at how Ginsberg was able to identify semblances between the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line site and the Soviet capital. The second half of the chapter is focused on Nabokov, who sexualized nuclear technology and considered Lolita as Humbert Humbert's uranium (or precious metal) and his source of radiation. It notes that victim and uranium come together in Humbert's controlled fantasies, and features the use of nuclear culture's psychoanalytic structures and dirtiest secrets.Less
This chapter examines the Arctic Cold War and its inclusion in Allan Ginsberg's Kaddish and Nicholas Nabokov's Lolita. The first half of the chapter is devoted to Ginsberg, who first wrote the Kaddish in honour of his mother. It looks at how Ginsberg was able to identify semblances between the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line site and the Soviet capital. The second half of the chapter is focused on Nabokov, who sexualized nuclear technology and considered Lolita as Humbert Humbert's uranium (or precious metal) and his source of radiation. It notes that victim and uranium come together in Humbert's controlled fantasies, and features the use of nuclear culture's psychoanalytic structures and dirtiest secrets.
Gino Segrè and John Stack
- Published in print:
- 2022
- Published Online:
- May 2022
- ISBN:
- 9780226805146
- eISBN:
- 9780226805283
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226805283.003.0014
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Mathematical Physics
A brief mention of early estimates of the Earth’s interior density and age precedes the discussion of the phenomenon of exponential decay in radioactivity. It is shown how decay by the isotopes of ...
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A brief mention of early estimates of the Earth’s interior density and age precedes the discussion of the phenomenon of exponential decay in radioactivity. It is shown how decay by the isotopes of only three elements, uranium, thorium, and potassium, accounts for approximately half the heat flowing to the Earth’s surface from its interior; the other half is due to primordial heat generated during the Earth’s formation. Knowing the amount of uranium, thorium and potassium in granite, basalt, peridotite and free iron rocks, dominant crust components, it is shown how each of the three elements in question generates a similar amount of heat. The relative smallness of the heat produced in potassium by its radioactive isotope is shown to be compensated for by the far greater abundance of potassium in the rocks. Two additional sections on some of the fine points of uranium isotope decay are also included as demonstrations of how isotope decays can be used to determine the age of geological eras.Less
A brief mention of early estimates of the Earth’s interior density and age precedes the discussion of the phenomenon of exponential decay in radioactivity. It is shown how decay by the isotopes of only three elements, uranium, thorium, and potassium, accounts for approximately half the heat flowing to the Earth’s surface from its interior; the other half is due to primordial heat generated during the Earth’s formation. Knowing the amount of uranium, thorium and potassium in granite, basalt, peridotite and free iron rocks, dominant crust components, it is shown how each of the three elements in question generates a similar amount of heat. The relative smallness of the heat produced in potassium by its radioactive isotope is shown to be compensated for by the far greater abundance of potassium in the rocks. Two additional sections on some of the fine points of uranium isotope decay are also included as demonstrations of how isotope decays can be used to determine the age of geological eras.
Ian Bellany
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719067969
- eISBN:
- 9781781701324
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719067969.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Nuclear energy has peaceful applications and non-peaceful applications. The centrepiece of all political efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons lies in attempting to harmonise the ...
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Nuclear energy has peaceful applications and non-peaceful applications. The centrepiece of all political efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons lies in attempting to harmonise the proliferation of nuclear reactors with the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. What all nuclear reactors have in common is nuclear fuel, which must contain at least some uranium in the form of the isotope uranium-235 (or very much more rarely 233), or plutonium, or both. This is usually described as ‘fissile material’. This chapter is about nuclear technology and the technical interconnections between commercial and military nuclear programmes. It also discusses the spread of nuclear technology and the use to which it has been put by a number of states, both inside and outside the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, to bring them close to or even take them over the nuclear weapons threshold. Moreover, the chapter provides an overview on critical mass and nuclear bombs, the differences between the United States and its natural allies over nuclear proliferation, radioactive waste and nuclear accidents and uranium enrichment.Less
Nuclear energy has peaceful applications and non-peaceful applications. The centrepiece of all political efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons lies in attempting to harmonise the proliferation of nuclear reactors with the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. What all nuclear reactors have in common is nuclear fuel, which must contain at least some uranium in the form of the isotope uranium-235 (or very much more rarely 233), or plutonium, or both. This is usually described as ‘fissile material’. This chapter is about nuclear technology and the technical interconnections between commercial and military nuclear programmes. It also discusses the spread of nuclear technology and the use to which it has been put by a number of states, both inside and outside the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, to bring them close to or even take them over the nuclear weapons threshold. Moreover, the chapter provides an overview on critical mass and nuclear bombs, the differences between the United States and its natural allies over nuclear proliferation, radioactive waste and nuclear accidents and uranium enrichment.
James Lawrence Powell
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231164481
- eISBN:
- 9780231538459
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231164481.003.0006
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter takes a historical look at the experiments carried out by Ernest Rutherford to determine the age of the Earth. In 1903, Rutherford performed an experiment in which he separated the alpha ...
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This chapter takes a historical look at the experiments carried out by Ernest Rutherford to determine the age of the Earth. In 1903, Rutherford performed an experiment in which he separated the alpha and beta particles and measured the velocity of the alphas, finding that they travel at the fantastic speed of 24,000 kilometers per second, or about 54 million miles per hour. Rutherford was able to calculate the energy of the alphas, which he found to be far greater than that of the beta and gamma rays combined. By measuring the amount of uranium and helium in a mineral and by knowing the half-life of uranium, Rutherford had the amount of parent atom, the amount of daughter atom, and the rate at which parent changed to daughter: he had an hourglass. He presented the results of his experiments on radioactivity at the 1904 meeting of the Royal Society of London. The discovery of radioactivity both falsified Kelvin's calculations for the age of the Sun and provided the means of making a correct calculation of the age of the Earth.Less
This chapter takes a historical look at the experiments carried out by Ernest Rutherford to determine the age of the Earth. In 1903, Rutherford performed an experiment in which he separated the alpha and beta particles and measured the velocity of the alphas, finding that they travel at the fantastic speed of 24,000 kilometers per second, or about 54 million miles per hour. Rutherford was able to calculate the energy of the alphas, which he found to be far greater than that of the beta and gamma rays combined. By measuring the amount of uranium and helium in a mineral and by knowing the half-life of uranium, Rutherford had the amount of parent atom, the amount of daughter atom, and the rate at which parent changed to daughter: he had an hourglass. He presented the results of his experiments on radioactivity at the 1904 meeting of the Royal Society of London. The discovery of radioactivity both falsified Kelvin's calculations for the age of the Sun and provided the means of making a correct calculation of the age of the Earth.
James Lawrence Powell
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231164481
- eISBN:
- 9780231538459
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231164481.003.0008
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter discusses the progress made by scientists in their efforts to calculate how old the Earth is. Ernest Rutherford's subsequent research, along with that of the other pioneers, led to a ...
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This chapter discusses the progress made by scientists in their efforts to calculate how old the Earth is. Ernest Rutherford's subsequent research, along with that of the other pioneers, led to a series of surprising discoveries that were crucial to establishing the true age of the Earth. Frederick Soddy found that whereas the lead in uranium minerals has an atomic weight of just over 206, the lead in thorium minerals is heavier, weighing close to 208. Soddy deduced that lead and other elements exist in varieties that have the same chemical properties but different atomic weights. These he named isotopes. In 1941, Alfred Nier of the University of Minnesota and his colleagues published analyses of galena, a lead sulfide mineral, of different ages. Galena contains no detectable uranium or thorium and thus should preserve its original lead-isotope ratios. This chapter also looks at the work of Arthur Holmes, Friedrich G. Houtermans, Harrison Brown, and Claire Patterson.Less
This chapter discusses the progress made by scientists in their efforts to calculate how old the Earth is. Ernest Rutherford's subsequent research, along with that of the other pioneers, led to a series of surprising discoveries that were crucial to establishing the true age of the Earth. Frederick Soddy found that whereas the lead in uranium minerals has an atomic weight of just over 206, the lead in thorium minerals is heavier, weighing close to 208. Soddy deduced that lead and other elements exist in varieties that have the same chemical properties but different atomic weights. These he named isotopes. In 1941, Alfred Nier of the University of Minnesota and his colleagues published analyses of galena, a lead sulfide mineral, of different ages. Galena contains no detectable uranium or thorium and thus should preserve its original lead-isotope ratios. This chapter also looks at the work of Arthur Holmes, Friedrich G. Houtermans, Harrison Brown, and Claire Patterson.
Kathleen M. Araújo
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199362554
- eISBN:
- 9780197562901
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199362554.003.0008
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Sustainability
Nuclear energy is one of the most significant sources of low carbon energy in use in the power sector today. In 2013, nuclear energy represented roughly 11% of the global electricity supply, with ...
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Nuclear energy is one of the most significant sources of low carbon energy in use in the power sector today. In 2013, nuclear energy represented roughly 11% of the global electricity supply, with growth projected to occur in China, India, and Russia (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], n.d.a; NEA, n.d.). As a stable source of electricity, nuclear energy can be a stand-alone, base-load form of electricity or complement more variable forms of low carbon energy, like wind and solar power. Among the energy technologies considered here, nuclear energy is complex not only for the science behind it, but also for its societal, environmental, and economic dimensions.This chapter explores the rapid rise of French nuclear energy in the civilian power sector. It considers what a national energy strategy looks like under conditions of high concern about energy supply security when limited domestic energy resources appear to exist. The case reveals that centralized planning with complex and equally centralized technology can be quite conducive to rapid change. However, continued public acceptance, especially for nuclear energy, matters in the durability of such a pathway. France is a traditional and currently global leader in nuclear energy, ranking the highest among countries for its share of domestic electricity derived from nuclear power at 76% of total electricity in 2015 (IAEA, n.d.b). France is highly ranked for the size of its nuclear reactor fleet and amount of nuclear generation, second only to the United States. In 2016, this nation of 67 million people and economy of $2.7 trillion had 58 nuclear power reactors (CIA, n.d.; IAEA, n.d.b). Due to the level of nuclear energy in its power mix, France has some of the lowest carbon emissions per person for electricity (IEA, 2016a). France is also one of the largest net exporters of electricity in Europe, with 61.7 TWh exported (Réseau de Transport d’électricité [RTE], 2016), producing roughly $3.3 billion in annual revenue (World Nuclear Association [WNA], n.d). This European country has the largest reprocessing capacity for spent fuel, with roughly 17% of its electricity powered from recycled fuel (WNA, n.d.).
Less
Nuclear energy is one of the most significant sources of low carbon energy in use in the power sector today. In 2013, nuclear energy represented roughly 11% of the global electricity supply, with growth projected to occur in China, India, and Russia (International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], n.d.a; NEA, n.d.). As a stable source of electricity, nuclear energy can be a stand-alone, base-load form of electricity or complement more variable forms of low carbon energy, like wind and solar power. Among the energy technologies considered here, nuclear energy is complex not only for the science behind it, but also for its societal, environmental, and economic dimensions.This chapter explores the rapid rise of French nuclear energy in the civilian power sector. It considers what a national energy strategy looks like under conditions of high concern about energy supply security when limited domestic energy resources appear to exist. The case reveals that centralized planning with complex and equally centralized technology can be quite conducive to rapid change. However, continued public acceptance, especially for nuclear energy, matters in the durability of such a pathway. France is a traditional and currently global leader in nuclear energy, ranking the highest among countries for its share of domestic electricity derived from nuclear power at 76% of total electricity in 2015 (IAEA, n.d.b). France is highly ranked for the size of its nuclear reactor fleet and amount of nuclear generation, second only to the United States. In 2016, this nation of 67 million people and economy of $2.7 trillion had 58 nuclear power reactors (CIA, n.d.; IAEA, n.d.b). Due to the level of nuclear energy in its power mix, France has some of the lowest carbon emissions per person for electricity (IEA, 2016a). France is also one of the largest net exporters of electricity in Europe, with 61.7 TWh exported (Réseau de Transport d’électricité [RTE], 2016), producing roughly $3.3 billion in annual revenue (World Nuclear Association [WNA], n.d). This European country has the largest reprocessing capacity for spent fuel, with roughly 17% of its electricity powered from recycled fuel (WNA, n.d.).
Harold A. Feiveson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
The world has struggled for over six decades with the dangers posed by huge quantities of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, the chain reacting fissile materials that are the key ingredients of ...
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The world has struggled for over six decades with the dangers posed by huge quantities of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, the chain reacting fissile materials that are the key ingredients of nuclear weapons and that were described by the eminent physicist Niels Bohr in 1944 as possibly posing a “perpetual menace” to humankind. Since the failure of the post-World War II efforts to ban nuclear weapons and control fissile materials, nine other states have followed the United States and produced fissile materials and nuclear weapons. This chapter provides an overview of the book and an introduction to the fissile material problem and the proposals to cap, reduce, and eventually eliminate fissile materials. It explains why such initiatives are critical to support deep reductions and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons, to make such nuclear disarmament more difficult to reverse, to raise the barriers to nuclear weapon proliferation, and to prevent nuclear terrorism.Less
The world has struggled for over six decades with the dangers posed by huge quantities of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, the chain reacting fissile materials that are the key ingredients of nuclear weapons and that were described by the eminent physicist Niels Bohr in 1944 as possibly posing a “perpetual menace” to humankind. Since the failure of the post-World War II efforts to ban nuclear weapons and control fissile materials, nine other states have followed the United States and produced fissile materials and nuclear weapons. This chapter provides an overview of the book and an introduction to the fissile material problem and the proposals to cap, reduce, and eventually eliminate fissile materials. It explains why such initiatives are critical to support deep reductions and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons, to make such nuclear disarmament more difficult to reverse, to raise the barriers to nuclear weapon proliferation, and to prevent nuclear terrorism.
Harold A. Feiveson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780262027748
- eISBN:
- 9780262319188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262027748.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Security Studies
As of 2013, globally there were about 1400 tons of highly enriched uranium and 500 tons of plutonium. Almost all of the highly enriched uranium and about half of the plutonium were originally ...
More
As of 2013, globally there were about 1400 tons of highly enriched uranium and 500 tons of plutonium. Almost all of the highly enriched uranium and about half of the plutonium were originally produced for weapons and remain outside International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Since the 1970s, some non-weapon states have acquired the capability to separate plutonium and to enrich uranium as part of their civilian nuclear power programs. This chapter focuses on the amounts of fissile material in different categories of current or intended use, and includes material available for weapons, declared excess for weapon purposes, assigned for naval and civilian use, and material that has been disposed of. The United States and United Kingdom have declared their stocks of fissile materials. Stockpile estimates for the other weapon states carry significant uncertainties and combined they are equivalent to several thousand nuclear warheads. Increased transparency by all weapon states will be required for the negotiation and verification of deep reductions and the eventual elimination of their nuclear weapons.Less
As of 2013, globally there were about 1400 tons of highly enriched uranium and 500 tons of plutonium. Almost all of the highly enriched uranium and about half of the plutonium were originally produced for weapons and remain outside International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Since the 1970s, some non-weapon states have acquired the capability to separate plutonium and to enrich uranium as part of their civilian nuclear power programs. This chapter focuses on the amounts of fissile material in different categories of current or intended use, and includes material available for weapons, declared excess for weapon purposes, assigned for naval and civilian use, and material that has been disposed of. The United States and United Kingdom have declared their stocks of fissile materials. Stockpile estimates for the other weapon states carry significant uncertainties and combined they are equivalent to several thousand nuclear warheads. Increased transparency by all weapon states will be required for the negotiation and verification of deep reductions and the eventual elimination of their nuclear weapons.
