Conclusion: Explaining Nuclear Policy Reversals

This chapter follows a three-track strategy. First, it evaluates the hypotheses presented in Chapter 2 drawing on the book’s seven country case studies. Second, it extends the scope of analysis to all of Western Europe, also drawing on short analytical narratives of the nuclear energy trajectory in the remaining West European countries (Appendix to this chapter). The chapter distinguishes four groups of countries in terms of nuclear energy policy reversals and discusses the commonalities and differences between the countries in each group. Third, the chapter turns to quantitative analysis. On the most general level the analyses in this book demonstrate that nuclear energy policy is not the outcome of technocratic decision-making or the result of a confrontation between a pro-growth cartel of the established parties and economic interests versus the anti-nuclear movement, Green parties, and critical citizens. Rather the issue has become incorporated in the competition between the mainstream parties that have proved remarkably flexible in adapting their positions and policy-making if government office was at stake. In the final section the chapter provides an outlook and highlights the factors that will be important for the future of nuclear energy in Western Europe and the world.