New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Florentine Koppenborg, "Japan's Nuclear Disaster and the Politics of Safety Governance" (Cornell UP, 2023)
Jan 5, 2026
Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist specializing in nuclear safety governance, discusses Japan's regulatory reforms post-Fukushima. She details how the disaster revealed significant flaws in safety governance and led to the establishment of an independent regulator that challenges political influence. Koppenborg explores local protests, the 'nuclear village' mentality, and the NRA's newly gained powers and transparency. She also raises concerns about the potential conflicts between safety regulations and decarbonization goals, offering insights into future nuclear phase-outs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Memory Shaped Research Path
- Florentine Koppenborg recounts her childhood experience after Chernobyl where her mother kept her indoors and sought uncontaminated baby food.
- This early exposure shaped her interest in radiation risks and public uncertainty about nuclear safety.
The Safety Myth As A Political Tool
- Koppenborg describes 'strategic information management' where pro-nuclear actors promoted a safety myth to limit public scrutiny.
- They emphasized Japanese technological superiority and used state education and media bias to shape public opinion.
Expanding Sites To Sidestep Protests
- Koppenborg explains the Dengen laws and the strategy of expanding existing reactor sites to bypass local opposition.
- From the 1990s onward, new reactors were added to existing sites rather than creating new locations, neutralizing local protests.
