Energy Security Initiative

The Energy Security Initiative addresses emerging security challenges resulting from the global transition away from high-carbon energy sources. The link between energy policy and national security is well established, but the specter of climate change has elevated the urgency of this debate and concentrated attention on the international implications of the energy-security nexus. Current energy debates are animated by a variety of diverse interest groups, intergovernmental organizations, industry leaders, and security experts. Although there is wide consensus among these groups regarding the need to transition to a post-carbon society, the path of this transition is hotly contested. The initiative brings together prominent academic voices as well as experienced practitioners and policymakers to develop policy-relevant and timely research.

• Conduct data-driven research.
• Translate findings into accessible formats for policymakers, industry professionals, and the public (e.g., podcasts, reports, infographics).
• Host conferences, workshops, and summits to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Foster collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

Gattie, David and Michael Hewitt. 2023. “National Security as a Value-Added Proposition for Advanced Nuclear Reactors: A US Focus.” Energies 16.17: 6162.

Conrad, Justin and Hayley Worsfold. 2023. “The U.S. Should Look Abroad for Nuclear Waste Solutions.” Center for International Trade and Security. September 14.

McFarlane, Robert and David Gattie. 2021. “China and the Importance of Civil Nuclear Energy.” The National Standard. October 15.

“China on Track to Supplant US as Top Nuclear Energy Purveyor.” 2021. Voice of America. January 14.

“Biden Expected To Continue Trump Support For U.S. Nuclear Energy Exports.” 2020. Forbes. December 1.

Gattie, David and Joshua N.K. Massey. 2020. “Twenty-First-Century US Nuclear Power: A National Security Imperative.” Strategic Studies Quarterly Fall: 122-143.

• Dr. David Gattie – Associate Professor of Engineering; Benson-Bertsch CITS Senior Fellow
• Dr. Josh Massey – Benson-Bertsch CITS Senior Research Associate
• Dr. Ryan Powers – Benson-Bertsch CITS Gary K. Bertsch Director
• Dr. Justin Conrad – Head of the Department of International Affairs

Financial gifts to ESSP support:

• Education, research, and outreach
• Applied research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students

Contact for Support:

• Jan Blaine, Senior Director of Development (CENGR) – [email protected]
• Sarah Baines, Senior Director of Development (SPIA) – [email protected]

• College of Engineering (CENGR)
• School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA)
• Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security (CITS)