Nuclear Power and Energy Policy ─ The Limits to Governance

As is consistent with the concept of governance, nuclear power programmes are delivered through complex networks of international players. Governments seek to manage and govern networks through the practice of metagovernance, or the governance of the network governance. This study applies the tools of government approach to explore the ability of governments to act as metagovernors. Addressing in-depth case studies of France, Finland, Britain and the United States, it considers the extent to which each government can leverage the capabilities it possesses as a government. Baker and Stoker argue that the way governments seek to practice metagovernance is shaped by an underlying tradition of governance. The four case studies are shown to have struggled to promote new investment in nuclear power, and their range of actions limited by two key factors, the composition of the networks within which they are embedded, and the prevailing tradition of government.

Keith Baker is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University, USA. His research focuses on governance, nuclear power and energy policy.

Gerry Stoker is Professor of Politics and Governance at the University of Southampton, UK. His main research interests are in local and regional governance and public service reform.