November 20, 2024
The presentation delves into the complex relationship between nuclear power and nuclear proliferation, drawing on the speaker’s extensive background in engineering and long-standing interest in the topic. Dr. Yim highlights the renewed global interest in nuclear power, driven by concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and the potential risks associated with the spread of nuclear technology.
Key points include:
Historical Context: Dr. Yim discusses the historical context of nuclear power, starting from the Atoms for Peace initiative in the 1950s, which opened up opportunities but also created challenges for the global community. Many countries that initially pursued nuclear power did not succeed, and some had dual interests in developing nuclear weapons.
Current Trends: With the renewed interest in nuclear power, there is a concern about the potential for new countries to embark on this journey with ulterior motives. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the connection between nuclear power capabilities and the risk of proliferation.
Research Findings: The presentation covers various studies and models that examine the relationship between nuclear power and proliferation. Some studies suggest that the spread of nuclear power increases the risk of proliferation, while others argue that nuclear power capabilities can decrease the risk. The speaker highlights the complexity and the different interpretations based on worldviews and methodologies.
Predictive Capabilities: The speaker discusses efforts to develop predictive capabilities to understand and potentially mitigate the risks associated with nuclear power. This includes the use of statistical models, machine learning, and deep learning techniques to analyze data and predict proliferation behavior.
Challenges and Future Directions: The speaker acknowledges the challenges in developing robust predictive models and the need for further research. The presentation concludes with a call for continued collaboration and the development of tools to better understand and manage the risks associated with nuclear power.
Overall, the presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities and challenges associated with nuclear power and proliferation, highlighting the need for ongoing research and collaboration to address these issues effectively.
Speaker: Dr. Man-Sung Yim, Director, Center for Nuclear Security Science & Policy Initiatives, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Texas A & M
Moderator: Dr. William Potter, Director, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:56 Main Presentation
47:40 Q&A
