Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts
Emerging Laser Isotope Separation Technology and the Future of Nuclear Proliferation: An Interdisciplinary Exploration
Abstract Category: Other Categories
Course / Degree: Master of Liberal Arts
Institution / University: Stanford University, United States
Published in: 2010
Laser isotope separation (LIS) is an emerging technology that uses relatively small, widely-available lasers to achieve civilian or weapons grade concentration of fissile material to fuel nuclear reactions. To date only a few, limited proliferation risk analyses of LIS technology have been conducted. This paper provides a historically and technically informed update on the current state of LIS technology and it explains the high likelihood of its increased global use. The paper also explains how international rules governing nuclear energy are ill-equipped to handle such new technology. It traces the current limitations to broader issues in international relations theory, especially the incomplete accounts of the role of technology in the proliferation dynamic in the dominant neorealism and social construction of technology approaches. The paper introduces the concept of "international technology development structure" a framework for understanding how technology-related opportunities and constraints at the international system-level influence state nuclear weapons choices.
It identifies the latest key laser innovations and trends related to LIS and it concretely shows how the global technology development structure behind these fast-moving innovations will expand state nuclear options and, in turn, influence their choices. The paper also provides a country-by-country update on LIS programs and it uses the example of Iran's LIS program to show how existing IAEA efforts and export control approaches will be inadequate to addressing dual-use technologies such as LIS. It concludes by proposing a new course that links good standing in nuclear non-proliferation agreements to participation in the World Trade Organization, global conferences, and fundamental university research. Ultimately, the paper attempts to provide a comprehensive account of how emerging LIS technology presents non-proliferation challenges and it attempts to explore options for addressing this new period in technological achievement and change.
Thesis Keywords/Search Tags:
Laser Isotope Separation, AVLIS, SILEX, Enrichment, Plutonium, Proliferation, Neorealism, Social Construction of Technology, Isotopes, International Technology Development Structure, Dual Use, Tritium
This Thesis Abstract may be cited as follows:
Serrato, Ruben. "Emerging Laser Isotope Separation Technology and the Future of Nuclear Proliferation: An Interdisciplinary Exploration." MA Thesis, Stanford University, 2010. Web. 12 August 2010.
Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Ruben Serrato from United States on 12-Aug-2010 10:00.
Abstract has been viewed 3327 times (since 7 Mar 2010).
Ruben Serrato Contact Details: Email: rube@stanford.edu
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