Council on Foreign Relations 28d ago

What if the energy that powers the stars could also power your home? Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, one of the U.S. government’s premier science institutions, discuss where the research on nuclear fusion stands, what it will take to bring it to scale, and what it means for American competitiveness and global energy security. This meeting is presented by LEAD AI, a CFR initiative working to ensure that the deployment of AI systems reinforces democratic resilience, safeguards human agency, and resists the consolidation of authoritarian control. The Science Fair Series is a new meeting series highlighting cutting-edge developments in emerging technologies that will impact foreign affairs. Our series is specifically designed to bring scientific insights to all members of CFR, regardless of members‘ scientific background. This event is made possible by the support of the MacArthur Foundation, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and the Hewlett Foundation. Speakers Kim Budil Laboratory Director, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; CFR Member Tammy Ma Director, Livermore Institute for Fusion Technology Presider Kat Duffy Senior Fellow for Digital and Cyberspace Policy and Director of LEAD AI, Council on Foreign Relations 00:00 - Introduction to the Science Fair Series Cat Duffy introduces the Council on Foreign Relations’ Science Fair series and the "jargon giraffe" concept to help demystify emerging technologies impacting foreign policy. 02:31 - Defining Nuclear Fusion vs. Fission A foundational explanation of fusion as the process powering the sun, comparing its energy density to conventional nuclear fission. 04:09 - The Path to Laboratory Fusion A historical overview of the six-decade journey to replicate fusion conditions on Earth using high-energy lasers and precision modeling. 08:52 - The 2022 Ignition Breakthrough A detailed look at the historic moment when researchers first achieved "ignition"—producing more energy from a fusion reaction than the laser energy used to drive it. 11:51 - A New Era: Beyond the "30 Years Away" Joke An analysis of why current advancements in AI, superconducting magnets, and private investment suggest we are at a unique, transformative turning point. 18:56 - National Security and Geopolitical Implications A discussion on the strategic importance of fusion leadership, the role of national laboratories, and the competitive global landscape. 26:03 - Envisioning a Fusion-Powered World Exploring the potential societal benefits of abundant, clean energy, from carbon capture and desalination to powering the next generation of AI. 34:01 - Future Challenges and Regulatory Frameworks The experts address the "quadruple axle" of remaining engineering hurdles, material science needs, and the importance of scientific peer review. Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/WCYsH7 This work represents the views and opinions solely of the author. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy. Visit the CFR website: http://www.cfr.org Follow CFR on X: http://www.twitter.com/cfr_org Follow CFR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/councilonforeignrelations/