Increased Geopolitical Turbulence Is Setting The Stage For More Nuclear Energy Partnerships

The sustained instability in energy markets caused by the simultaneous conflicts between the US and Iran and Russia and Ukraine has unleashed increased interest in nuclear power, especially in energy-poor states most affected by the crisis. Suppliers of nuclear technology like Russia and the US have launched a concurrent push to develop new partnerships, as exemplified by the recent US-Saudi Arabia agreement. The long-term nature of nuclear cooperation, as well as the diplomatic connections involved in nuclear cooperation, give nuclear technology exports a decidedly geopolitical aspect.

Nuclear energy cooperation with states like Russia cements multidecadal cooperation on energy policy and creates potential sanctions and diplomatic risks for Moscow’s partners. Alternatively, cooperation with either the US or American partners has the potential to boost long-term diplomatic relations and to create new opportunities for investment and economic connections. Generally, nuclear energy can