Brazil and the nuclear option

The document is a CIA report from May 1978 discussing Brazil's nuclear energy development program and its relations with the United States and West Germany. The report highlights that Brazil's progress on its nuclear program has been slower than expected due to problems with its nuclear accord with West Germany. It mentions factors that could influence Brazil's nuclear policies, including warming relations with the United States, disillusionment with West Germany, and the high costs of the nuclear program. The report also discusses the potential impact of political changes in Brazil, such as the upcoming change in administrations and the possibility of greater civilian involvement in decision-making. Economic factors and the country's hydroelectric potential are identified as significant considerations that could affect Brazil's nuclear program. The report concludes that significant alterations to the nuclear program are unlikely until after the change of administrations and that reconciliation with the United States is a current concern for Brazil.