Political dynamics of the creation of the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy, 1956-1960

Abstract

The article analyzes the political dynamics of the process that founded the Brazilian National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), concluded in October 1956, during Juscelino Kubitschek's government. It argues that the President Kubitschek yielded to military interests, especially from the Army and Navy, ignoring the bill on the same matter that was in discussion at Brazil's House of Representatives. This strategy helped to reduce the disagreement between the Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas (CNPq) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as to remove scientists of this decision process and to weaken the debate about nuclear policy in the Brazilian society.

Keywords

• Juscelino Kubitschek (1956-1961)
• Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas (CNPq)
• Nuclear energy
• Nuclear policy
• International affairs