Publications: Commentary

The Nexus of Nonproliferation Norms and Next-Gen Nuclear Energy

There are many cross currents coursing through the development process for next-generation small nuclear reactors including funding, regulatory approval, and technology demonstration. But one issue receiving little attention is the relationship between these new reactors and the global non-proliferation system.  The challenges posed by the adaptation of international nuclear safeguards and security requirements to these reactors is…
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U.S. Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding Around the World

Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOUs) are diplomatic instruments designed develop stronger ties between the U.S. and partner countries to support the development of strategic civil nuclear cooperation. The NCMOUs help partners build infrastructure for the responsible use of nuclear energy and technology including strong standards for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. NCMOUs can be…
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Biden-Yoon Strengthen Cooperation on Nuclear Weapons, Not Energy

In the forest of U.S.-South Korea relations it seems that there is still only one Redwood, North Korea.  Amid the expanding grove of Biden-Yoon summit commitments last week, the towering deliverable was the Washington Declaration, designed to strengthen U.S. deterrence commitments to South Korea and further involve Seoul in American nuclear weapons planning. This initiative…
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Support for Russia in the Global South Raises Nuclear Export Challenges

The following infographics highlight several significant challenges that Western nuclear exporters will face when seeking to supply smaller nuclear power technologies to developing economy nations. Russia and China already have established strong energy and economic relationships with most of these countries. The U.S. has a small nuclear cooperation footprint among these nations. And they are wary of…
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