The impacts and challenges of international nuclear cooperation
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Major
International Studies
Abstract
Nuclear energy has been proposed as a replacement for carbon-emitting energy sources like oil and natural gas. However, nuclear energy is a highly controversial energy source because of potential accidents and waste management. While states have engaged in prolific international cooperation efforts to promote nuclear energy as a clean energy source, challenges from opposing countries and organizations, like Germany and Greenpeace, have hindered these efforts. So the question is: What international cooperation efforts have been made to promote nuclear energy as a clean source, and what are the political challenges to further increase international cooperation on it? Through meta-analysis of research papers, think tank reports, and news articles, from an array of viewpoints, it becomes clear that the process of generating energy through nuclear power comes with costs and benefits, which in turn affect its uptake in countries around the world. Cleaner emissions and economic benefits have spurred pro-nuclear countries and organizations to collaborate to ensure the safety of nuclear energy and increase nuclear security, including preventing the misuse of nuclear energy for nuclear weapons. On the other hand, countries and organizations against nuclear energy have worked together to prevent the spread of nuclear energy through protests and lobbying to shut down nuclear plants and prevent the spread of nuclear energy. These starkly opposed viewpoints underscore that while the benefits of nuclear energy are grand, the political pushback and downsides create roadblocks for comprehensive international cooperation.
Faculty Mentor
Felicity Vabulas
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
The impacts and challenges of international nuclear cooperation
Waves Cafeteria
Nuclear energy has been proposed as a replacement for carbon-emitting energy sources like oil and natural gas. However, nuclear energy is a highly controversial energy source because of potential accidents and waste management. While states have engaged in prolific international cooperation efforts to promote nuclear energy as a clean energy source, challenges from opposing countries and organizations, like Germany and Greenpeace, have hindered these efforts. So the question is: What international cooperation efforts have been made to promote nuclear energy as a clean source, and what are the political challenges to further increase international cooperation on it? Through meta-analysis of research papers, think tank reports, and news articles, from an array of viewpoints, it becomes clear that the process of generating energy through nuclear power comes with costs and benefits, which in turn affect its uptake in countries around the world. Cleaner emissions and economic benefits have spurred pro-nuclear countries and organizations to collaborate to ensure the safety of nuclear energy and increase nuclear security, including preventing the misuse of nuclear energy for nuclear weapons. On the other hand, countries and organizations against nuclear energy have worked together to prevent the spread of nuclear energy through protests and lobbying to shut down nuclear plants and prevent the spread of nuclear energy. These starkly opposed viewpoints underscore that while the benefits of nuclear energy are grand, the political pushback and downsides create roadblocks for comprehensive international cooperation.