AP Photo
Spring 2009
"Insure to Assure: A New Paradigm for Nuclear Nonproliferation and International Security"
Journal Article, Innovations, issue 2, volume 4
By Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan and Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011
"No country has yet encountered major problems in its nuclear fuel supply specifically because of commercial disruptions. However, past political constraints on supply may be part of the motivation for countries like Iran to seek enrichment capability. Thus far it is unclear what other countries might be on the fence about acquiring a full fuel cycle and could be swayed not to enrich if an effective assurance mechanism could address the simply political risk. It is important for IAEA to identify these countries and the assurances they would need so that the best supply assurance mechanism can be crafted. Anticipating nuclear needs—not just for enriched uranium but also for fabricated fuel, transport, spare parts, etc.—and deciding whether and how government should help satisfy such needs is the best way to ensure that the industry develops in ways that serve the public's interests."
January 22, 2008
"Nuclear Fuel Supply Concept Developed by Debra Decker and Erwann Michel-Kerjan is Featured in the Global Risks 2008 Report of the World Economic Forum"
Highlight
By Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011 and Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan
"A truly innovative concept has been proposed by a joint team from the Wharton Business School and Harvard's Kennedy School: "insure to assure." The proposed solution — complementary to the efforts of the IAEA and others — would create a partnership between financial industries and governments to create the world's first international nuclear fuel insurance fund."
January 2008
"The Economics of Nuclear Energy Markets and the Future of International Security"
Working Paper
By Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan and Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011
This paper discusses the evolution of nuclear energy markets and key drivers of the growing "nuclear renaissance." We focus on uranium, the largest part of the nuclear fuel markets, and analyze market demand, supply, and prices since the 1970s. We review the forces impacting this market—historically and prospectively—and note proliferation concerns surrounding nuclear energy: i.e. the same facilities that enrich uranium for electricity generation can also enrich it further for nuclear weapons.
September 4, 2007
"The Other Energy Crisis"
Magazine or Newspaper Article, Strategy + Business
By Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011 and Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan
As nuclear energy becomes a viable alternative to carbon-based fuels, security is a vital concern. Here’s how private markets might be able to help.
March 2007
"A New Energy Paradigm: Ensuring Nuclear Fuel Supply and Nonproliferation through International Collaboration with Insurance and Financial Markets"
Discussion Paper
By Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011 and Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan
"Seeking ways to dissuade more states from contemplating launching their own uranium enrichment programs...the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is considering different mechanisms to assure these states that they can obtain fuel supplies from the market without political interference."
December 22, 2006
"Ensuring Global Uranium Supplies"
Op-Ed, International Herald Tribune
By Debra K. Decker, Former Associate, International Security Program/Project on Managing the Atom, 2006–2011 and Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan
"...a new look at global atomic energy supplies is sorely needed."
September 2006
Seeds of Disaster, Roots of Response: How Private Action Can Reduce Public Vulnerability
Book
By Lewis M. Branscomb, Director Emeritus of the Science, Technology and Public Policy Program; Professor Emeritus of Public Policy and Corporate Management, Philip Auerswald, Associate, Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, Todd M. La Porte and Erwann O. Michel-Kerjan
Seeds of Disaster, Roots of Response ... describes effective and sustainable approaches — both business strategies and public policies — to ensure provision of critical services in the event of disaster.
