The State of Nuclear Energy in ASEAN: Regional Norms and Challenges

The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 did not dampen plans by Southeast Asian countries to develop nuclear power plants, despite safety concerns. The strong interest in nuclear power development is being driven by strategic considerations as states view nuclear power as an alternative energy source that can help address the dual objectives of energy security and mitigation of climate change effects. Our article examines the prospects for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to build a stronger regional normative framework to promote nuclear safety and security and prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons. In light of ASEAN's vision to establish a political and security community in 2015, we argue that member states that plan to use nuclear energy need to address critical issues such as legislative and regulatory frameworks, human resource development, radioactive waste management, nuclear safety, emergency planning, and security and physical protection.