Trust, Equity, Transparency and Inclusion in Nuclear Energy Governance: Empirical Synthesis of the Q-NPT Framework

Abstract

The Qudrat-Ullah Nuclear Peace and Trust (Q-NPT) framework offers a governance model for nuclear energy that foregrounds trust, equity, transparency, and stakeholder inclusion. This paper provides an empirical synthesis of Q-NPT by integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence from recent nuclear energy studies and situating the framework within global policy contexts. The findings indicate that legitimacy in nuclear governance depends not only on technical and regulatory compliance but also on social trust, distributive fairness, and active stakeholder inclusion. The analysis further demonstrates Q-NPT’s applicability to emerging technologies—including microreactors and blockchain-based fuel management—highlighting its adaptability to contemporary governance challenges. Together, these insights advance Q-NPT from conceptual articulation toward an evidence-informed, socially robust foundation for legitimate and ethical nuclear energy governance.