Understanding Attitudes Toward Nuclear Energy After the Fukushima Accident: Differences Between Asserted and Ambivalent Positions

Objective The goal of this article is to understand the attitudes toward nuclear energy after the Fukushima accident. Such an analysis necessitates the avoidance of a dichotomous perspective (pro/against)—consider “supporter,” “neither-nor,” and “opponent”—and to determine the effect of various factors on attitudes. Methods This study analyzes a 2013 Swiss survey that measures public attitudes toward nuclear energy. Results Public acceptance of nuclear power remains lower two years after. Attitudinal structure of neither-nor indicates ambivalence. Different factors explain the three positions. Conclusions Public attitudes toward nuclear energy are in line with Swiss energy strategy for 2050 to ban nuclear energy. These results draw practical implications for implementing political decisions and for policy communication.