Conclusion

This chapter first 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, with short analytical narratives of the nuclear energy trajectory in the remaining West European countries in an appendix. The chapter distinguishes four groups of countries in terms of nuclear energy policy reversals and discusses the commonalities and differences between them. Third, the chapter turns to quantitative analysis. On the most general level the analyses in this book demonstrate that nuclear energy policy 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. The chapter highlights the factors that will be important for the future of nuclear energy in Western Europe and the world.