Japan in disaster: managing energy vulnerabilities
RSIS commentaries, no. 41/2011:
This paper analyses the nuclear crises in Japan as a reality check for other states pursuing nuclear energy plans in South-East Asia. It discusses the ferocity and unpredictability of the earthquake and tsunami which challenged Japans record of effective disaster management capabilities and high safety standards; and raises questions as to the overall impact of the developments of the multiple nuclear meltdowns after explosions and leaks at the nuclear power plant reactors in Fukushima and Onagawa. It intends to show that dealing with the latent threats of nuclear safety issues would require more than reliance on advancements in nuclear science and technology.