U.S. policy on peaceful nuclear energy in the context of nuclear power development and nuclear non-proliferation

Subject. This article focuses on the U.S. policy on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the US policy on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its impact on the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Methods. For the study, we used general scientific methods of analysis. Results. The article reveals that the development of small modular reactor technologies increases the risks of nuclear proliferation due to the use of high-enriched uranium fuel and the insufficient adaptation of International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Conclusions. In modern international relations, nuclear energy is gaining strategic significance. The global market for nuclear energy technologies requires strict regulation by key non-proliferation institutions. The U.S. policy in the field of peaceful nuclear energy is contradictory. Cooperation with India and the push to export small modular reactors create risks of nuclear technology proliferation and undermine confidence in international norms.