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HISTORICAL RECORD DOES NOT SUBSTANTIATE THE LINK ASCRIBED BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER FACILITIES AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS CAPABILITY. NUCLEAR WEAPONS HAVE INVARIABLY PRECEDED CIVILIAN POWER REACTORS. THIS QUESTIONABLE LINKAGE HAS DIRECT POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR US NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION POLICY, WHICH HERETOFORE HAS BEEN CHARACTERIZED BY SERIOUS INCONSISTENCIES.

Abstract. The policy sciences have been evolving as a discipline over the past thirty years, but the development has been less than clear, its directions somewhat uncertain. Still, the founding characteristics, as set forth by its early proponents, have remained relevant and relatively constant. The policy sciences have been defined by their multidisciplinary perspective, their problem‐oriented, contextual approach, and their treatment of normative standards. This paper reviews the development of the policy sciences in light of these three hallmarks and observes how each has experienced great variations. Finally, the paper suggests six emerging conditions which could have a significant effect on the future development and practice of the policy sciences.

This essay examines the difficulties of evaluating procedural and technological innovations while they are still being developed or the interim evaluation of ongoing innovation. The major recommendations warn against a premature reliance on a yet‐undeveloped theory. Careful attention could be directed to delineate a series of relatively discrete steps in the innovation processes, defining and collecting pertinent data, and developing an innovation typology. All of these have direct policy relevance.

The current international status of policy sciences is evaluated, & areas of imminent inquiry in the field are proposed. Key characteristics of the discipline are outlined, including policy application & orientation, emphasis on contextuality, & multidisciplinary approach; challenges facing professionals due to the proliferation of so-called "policy analysts" & to deficiencies in normative policy-making considerations are reviewed. Concerns of potential clients are also identified, including inapplicability, incompleteness, & political manipulation or nonutility of commissioned analyses; the need to strengthen professional credibility through standards & attention to overall societal needs is emphasized. L. Whittemore.