Nuclear energy is back in the spotlight as policymakers and innovators look for faster, cleaner, and more reliable energy solutions. This week, Elisa is joined by Dr. Jeff Waksman, Program Manager at the Department of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office, to explore Project Pele—an initiative designed to fast-track the development of mobile nuclear reactors. They discuss the structural weaknesses of the U.S. grid, the slow adoption of new energy technologies, and how microreactors could provide a more flexible, resilient power source for the future. Dr. Jeff Waksmanis a Program Manager at the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) where he leads Project Pele and Project TRISO References: The ADVANCE Act of 2024 Project Pele
As AI continues to evolve, what must be done to balance innovation with security and sustainability? In Part 2 of their discussion, Elisa and Dr. Vijay Janapa Reddi dive into the growing energy demands of AI systems, their role in national security, and the challenges of ensuring responsible development. They discuss how AI’s reliance on vast amounts of data impacts stability, the risks of limited access to training resources, and the concerns surrounding regulation. Vijay Janapa Reddi is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University and Vice President and co-founder of MLCommons, a nonprofit organization committed to accelerating machine learning (ML) innovation for all. References: Dr. Janapa Reddi is author and editor of the open-source AI textbook, "Machine Learning Systems" Dollar Street Project Nominations Link for the Morris Leibman Awards – Nominate an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made exceptional contributions to the field of law and national security. Nominations deadline: March 14th More information about the Morris Leibman Awards
The AI revolution is just beginning, and its future depends on how we shape its systems, data, and ethics today. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa sits down with Dr. Vijay Janapa Reddi, Harvard professor and AI systems expert, to break down the three core categories of AI systems—generative, predictive, and prescriptive—and how they function in the real world. Together they examine how large language models rely on the data they’re fed, why that data matters, and what challenges arise in sourcing it responsibly.Vijay Janapa Reddi is the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University and Vice President and co-founder of MLCommons, a nonprofit organization committed to accelerating machine learning (ML) innovation for all. References: Dr. Janapa Reddi is author and editor of the open-source AI textbook, "Machine Learning Systems" Dollar Street Project Nominations Link for the Morris Leibman Awards – Nominate an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made exceptional contributions to the field of law and national security. Nominations deadline: March 14th More information about the Morris Leibman Awards
(Part 2 of 2) As global demand for AI, battery technology, and clean energy surges, critical minerals have become essential to powering innovation and protecting national security. To kick off our new series exploring the global race for these vital resources, Elisa sits down with Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Partner at WilmerHale, to break down the stakes. For Part 2 of their discussion, they discuss outdated U.S. mining laws, efforts to establish international standards, and China’s financial control over resource development. Tommy Beaudreau is a Partner at WilmerHale, and co-chair of WilmerHale’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Native American Law Practices. References: Nominations Link for the Morris Leibman Awards – Nominate an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made exceptional contributions to the field of law and national security. Nominations deadline: March 14th More information about the Morris Leibman Awards Upcoming CSIS Event: Register for the launch of a new policy book by the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program, this Thursday, Feb 27th Initiative for Responsible Mining Standards (IRMA) The Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative (CMSI) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 The General Mining Act of 1872
As global demand for AI, battery technology, and clean energy surges, critical minerals have become essential to powering innovation and protecting national security. To kick off our new series exploring the global race for these vital resources, Elisa sits down with Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior and Partner at WilmerHale, to break down the stakes. Together, they explore what defines a “critical mineral,” how China’s dominance in global supply chains threatens U.S. interests, and why outdated mining laws are complicating America’s efforts to secure its future. Tommy Beaudreau is a Partner at WilmerHale, and co-chair of WilmerHale’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Native American Law Practices. References: Nominations Link for the Morris Leibman Awards – Nominate an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment and made exceptional contributions to the field of law and national security. Nominations deadline: March 14th More information about the Morris Leibman Awards Washington Post, "What are Ukraine's rare minerals and why is Trump eyeing them?" NSLT, Ep, 205, "Seabed Mining as a National Security Threat: The Laws of the Sea with Matt Gianni (Part 1)"