Description
Turkey, with a robust modern economy and growing energy needs, is pursuing a switch to nuclear power. But that shift is occurring in an environment fraught with security challenges: Turkey borders Iraq, Syria, and Iran—all states with nuclear or WMD ambitions or capabilities. As a NATO member, Turkey also hosts U.S. nuclear bombs on its territory, although some question the durability of this relationship. This dynamic has naturally led to speculation that Turkish leaders might someday consider moving beyond a civilian course to develop nuclear weapons. Yet there has been remarkably little informed analysis and debate on Turkey's nuclear future, either within the country or in broader international society. This volume explores the current status and trajectory of Turkey's nuclear program, adding historical perspective, analytical rigor, and strategic insight.
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This volume examines Turkey's goal to enhance its energy security through nuclear power and its related history, interests, capabilities, and dilemmas. The eight chapters describe Turkey's growing civilian nuclear power program, its first nuclear power plant, and its investment model; the regulation of nuclear power in the country; its security strategy since the end of World War II and the role of nuclear weapons; its strategic thinking on the role of tactical nuclear weapons; its efforts to improve its defensive and offensive capabilities against the threat of weapons of mass destruction; the international institutional framework for its civilian nuclear program; how it might develop its own nuclear weapons; and the trends and events that could alter its nuclear proliferation decision making. Contributors are European researchers in foreign policy studies, nuclear policy, and related fields. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
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