ROSATOM, the CNNC, and the Nuclear Energy Arms Race
08.Apr.2021 9:00 AM . 9 min read
On March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan melted down as the result of a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. Following the earthquake, there were radiation leaks, contamination in the Pacific Ocean, and widespread power outages. The Fukushima accident was a critical turning point for nuclear power and inspired nuclear skepticism around the world. In response to the tragedy, nations adopted a range of stances, from Russia’s renewed investment in nuclear energy to Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power altogether. Anti-nuclear countries have cited nuclear radiation and the potential for meltdowns as the main reasons behind their decisions to prohibit nuclear power. Many countries reliant on nuclear power cite its lack of emissions as a reason that it is environmentally-preferable to other energy sources. However, Russia and China face different circumstances th