Abstract

VERA, Nevia. The myth of the Mexican Sisyphus: the history of failed nuclear technology development. CONfines relacion. internaci. ciencia política [online]. 2019, vol.15, n.28, pp.69-94.  Epub Jan 12, 2023. ISSN 1870-3569.

This article aims to make a preliminary overview of the Mexican nuclear program between 1950 and 1990, trying to understand why it did not meet the development goals on the basis of which it was designed. To this end, and based on a qualitative methodology of bibliographic and documentary review, the article focuses on the analysis of two main factors: the lateral autonomy of the main nuclear agency and the international context. It is argued that the lack of lateral autonomy of CNEN/INEN/ININ, which operated in an environment of decision-making balkanization, and the restrictive international context for the development of autonomous nuclear technology influenced the course of this trajectory.

Keywords : Mexico; nuclear technology; scientific and technological policy.