Caption
Projectile cartridge cases are heated in the heat treat shop as a part of the production process at Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on December 8, 2023. (DVIDS)
Caption
A US nuclear fusion engineer inspects a target chamber at the National Ignition Facility in California, a future test site for light-induced nuclear fusion. (Getty images)
Nuclear fusion has held the secret to nearly limitless clean energy since its discovery almost a century ago. Yet scientists around the world, particularly in the United States and China, are only now getting close to making this method of energy generation a reality. Rising US-China competition has further accelerated research and development in this now-critical economic and security technology.
To examine the future of fusion and its geopolitical implications, Hudson will host a two-part event. The first expert panel will focus on fusion and its relationship to the US nuclear deterrent. The second panel will examine how supply chains and the US industrial base can best facilitate fusion deployment.
Agenda
11:00 a.m. | Panel I: Fusion and the US Nuclear Deterrent
- Jimmy Goodrich, Senior Fellow, University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC)
- Keith LeChien, Founder and CTO, Pacific Fusion
- Daniel B. Sinars, Center Director and Deputy Chief Research Officer, Sandia National Laboratories
Moderator
- Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and Director, Keystone Defense Initiative, Hudson Institute
12:15 p.m. | Panel II: Securing the Fusion Supply Chain
- Jackie Siebens, Vice President of Public Affairs, Helion Energy
- Caleb Barnes, Associate Director for Fusion, Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)
- Trent Bauserman, Head of Federal Affairs, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
- Shaun Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer, Peak Nano
Moderator
- Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Related Events
17
February 2026
Past Event
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw on the End of the New START Treaty
Featured Speakers:
Christopher Yeaw
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs
17
February 2026
Past Event
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw on the End of the New START Treaty
Join Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation Dr. Christopher Yeaw for a discussion on strategic deterrence.
Featured Speakers:
Christopher Yeaw
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs
19
February 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
The Economic Case for the US-Israel Partnership with Minister of Economic Affairs Noach Hacker
Featured Speaker:
Noach Hacker
Moderator:
Michael Doran
20
February 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Toward a Stronger US-Taiwan Partnership: Unpacking the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
Featured Speakers:
Rupert Hammond-Chambers
Bonnie Glaser
Moderator:
Riley Walters
20
February 2026
In-Person Event | Hudson Institute
Toward a Stronger US-Taiwan Partnership: Unpacking the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
Join Hudson for an expert panel on why these deals are so important for both nations, what they mean for the future of US supply chains, and what potential challenges remain for implementing these deals.
Featured Speakers:
Rupert Hammond-Chambers
Bonnie Glaser
Moderator:
Riley Walters
10
February 2026
Past Event
Gen. Pierre Schill on France’s Strategic Vision and Adapting Land Forces for High-Intensity Conflict
Featured Speakers:
General Pierre Schill
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs
10
February 2026
Past Event
Gen. Pierre Schill on France’s Strategic Vision and Adapting Land Forces for High-Intensity Conflict
Hudson welcomes French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill, one of Europe’s most senior military leaders, for a discussion on the evolving strategic environment and the French Army’s transformation in a rapidly changing world.
Featured Speakers:
General Pierre Schill
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs
Related Research
Caption
(Charged Conversations logo)
Caption
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant is seen in Saint Vulbas, France, on June 22, 2025. (Getty Images)
Caption
(Screenshot via CSPAN)