AT THE CENTER

U.S. Nuclear Cooperation in an Era of Strategic Competition

As geopolitical competition reshapes global energy, security, and economic relationships, international nuclear cooperation is taking on renewed strategic importance. Several U.S. civil nuclear cooperation agreements under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act are currently pending or are expected to come before Congress. On July 22, 2026, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced a

"The cold, hard truth is that tariffs are bad for the GOP and even worse for America."

-Jacob Heilbrunn

“The United States will face grave challenges if its adversaries establish hegemony in either Europe…or Asia…and establish de facto control of their polities and resources. America’s alliance relationships are critical in preventing that outcome.”

-Paul J. Saunders

“Throughout its history, Russia has strived to be accepted by the West. Yet, today, it is isolated, serves as China’s junior partner, and includes as its main partners rogues like North Korea and Iran.”

-Andrew C. Kuchins

“The reality of this new era is that energy consumption is growing globally in an 'all of the above' manner. Renewable energy is seeing explosive growth, but there is still some growth in oil demand and even coal, and strong demand growth for natural gas and LNG.”

-Greg Priddy