Nuclear Energy | Council on Foreign Relations

Nuclear Energy

Senegal and Slovakia Elections, Pakistan and Afghan Taliban Clash, Nuclear Energy Gains Favor, and More

Senegal holds its postponed presidential election amid fears of democratic backsliding; Slovakia chooses a new president in voting that could bolster Prime Minister Robert Fico’s illiberal tilt; Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan exchange blows after a string of terrorist attacks on Pakistani territory; nuclear energy gets a boost at a first-ever summit in Brussels, Belgium; and the European Union provides Egypt with $8 billion worth of aid.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins March 21, 2024 The World Next Week
Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Fusion and the Future of Energy

Kim Budil, director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, discusses the recent achievement of a net energy gain from a nuclear fusion reaction and its implications for the futu…

Webinar by Kim Budil, Carolyn Kissane and Irina A. Faskianos September 26, 2023 State and Local Webinars
Energy and Environment

Global Energy Tracker

As the effects of climate change mount, high-carbon energy sources continue to provide most of the world’s power. On average, 84 percent of tracker countries’ energy comes from high-carbon sources such as oil, whereas 16 percent comes from solar and other renewables. Low-carbon sources, however, are on the rise, particularly in developed countries.

Tracker by Benn Steil August 7, 2023 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Experts in this Topic

Nuclear Weapons

A New Nuclear Age

Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the possibility of nuclear war felt like a problem of days past. Now, as great-power competition heats up, the potential for nuclear conflict seems higher than at any point in decades. How did the nuclear taboo fade, and what does nuclear proliferation mean for the United States?

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra , J. Andrés Gannon and Rupal N. Mehta May 10, 2023 Why It Matters
Energy and Environment

Renewing America Series: A Nuclear Energy Comeback?

Panelists discuss the future of nuclear energy in the United States and Europe, including arguments for and against the increased use of nuclear power and its broader implications for combatting climate change. With its Renewing America initiative, CFR is evaluating nine critical domestic issues that shape the ability of the United States to navigate a demanding, competitive, and dangerous world. This project is made possible in part by the generous support of the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation.

Virtual Event by Dan R. Brouillette, Mark Hibbs, Allison Macfarlane and David G. Victor April 5, 2023 Renewing America
United States

Going Green Pits Renewables Against Farmland. Nuclear Energy Can Help

Nuclear energy can help the United States decarbonize its economic growth while protecting its farmland and food security.

Blog Post by Zongyuan Zoe Liu March 23, 2023 Renewing America

Ukraine

Paul C. Warnke Lecture on International Security With Rafael Mariano Grossi

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi discusses IAEA efforts to address the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine, and the main proliferation challenges worldwide, including concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The Paul C. Warnke Lecture on International Security was established in 2002 and is endowed by a number of Council members and the family and friends of Paul C. Warnke. The lecture commemorates his legacy of courageous service to the nation and international peace.

Virtual Event by Rafael M. Grossi and Rebecca K. Hersman March 22, 2023 Paul C. Warnke Lecture
Tunisia

Tunisia’s Election, U.S. Congress Seeks to Avert Shutdown, World Cup Ends, and More

Tunisians will vote in the first elections since the adoption of a new constitution that critics say is antidemocratic; the U.S. Congress rushes to pass a spending bill to avert a government shutdown; and Argentina and France compete in the World Cup final as host Qatar faces international scrutiny.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon December 15, 2022 The World Next Week
Ukraine

IAEA Visits Ukrainian Nuclear Plant, UK Selects New Prime Minister, Chileans Vote on Constitution, and More

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visits the recently shelled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russia-occupied Ukraine; the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party chooses the country’s next prime minister; and Chileans vote on a more progressive constitution.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Robert McMahon September 1, 2022 The World Next Week
Climate Change

Fighting the Climate Crisis, With Gernot Wagner

Gernot Wagner, climate economist at Columbia Business School, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss progress in the green energy transition and the risks and benefits of carbon capture and solar geoengineering technologies.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay August 30, 2022 The President’s Inbox
Russia

Renewing America’s Leadership in the Global Civil Nuclear Energy Market

The U.S. government should streamline U.S. nuclear export licensing procedures and improve financing options to revive American leadership in the global nuclear energy market.

Blog Post by Zongyuan Zoe Liu June 22, 2022 Renewing America
Diplomacy and International Institutions

A Conversation With U.S. Senator Ed Markey

U.S. Senator Ed Markey discusses the Russian war in Ukraine, U.S. competition with China, the existential threats of nuclear proliferation and climate change, and the need for transformational investments by the United States in a clean energy future.

Virtual Event by Edward J. Markey and Daniel W. Drezner June 8, 2022 Renewing America
Europe and Eurasia

Could Nuclear Power Cut Europe’s Dependence on Russian Energy?

The war in Ukraine has set off a rush in Europe to find alternatives to Russian oil and gas. Some are calling for an expansion of nuclear power.

In Brief by Lindsay Maizland March 15, 2022
Nuclear Energy

The Climate for Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is critical for decarbonization in the fight against climate change. But high-profile accidents, substantial costs, and concerns about waste management have kneecapped its expansion. As the climate crisis intensifies, the world is rethinking how to use nuclear energy to tackle ambitious climate targets.

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra October 29, 2021 Why It Matters
Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament

Reinventing Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation as Cooperative Endeavors

Differences between nuclear and nonnuclear weapons states could seriously weaken the nuclear regime. Recasting disarmament as a common endeavor that addresses each country’s legitimate interests and priorities would improve its prospects.

Report by Łukasz Kulesa April 21, 2021 International Institutions and Global Governance Program