In the race for critical minerals, legal frameworks are becoming as important as supply chains. This week, Elisa is joined by Brian Egan, Partner at Skadden and former Legal Adviser at the State Department and National Security Council, to unpack the legal complexities behind securing minerals from foreign—and often unfriendly—nations. From sanctions and treaty negotiations to private sector deals and foreign investment, they explore how lawyers across government and industry are navigating national security risks in today’s resource-driven economy.

Brian Egan is Partner in National Security, CFIUS, and International Trade at Skadden

References:

H.R.1042 - Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977

NSLT Ep. 205, "Seabed Mining as a National Security Threat: The Laws of the Sea with Matt Gianni (Part 1)

In Part 2 of their two-part discussion, Elisa and Dr. Koroush Shirvan of MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering explore how small-scale reactors compare to other green alternatives, why the U.S. continues to trail global leaders, and what policy and infrastructure gaps must be addressed to move forward. They also discuss rising energy costs at home—and what it will take to keep nuclear power affordable as demand grows.

Dr. Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies

References:

VIDEO: “How Does Nuclear Energy Work? – Presentation by Professor Koroush Shirvan (MIT).” YouTube, uploaded by the Australian Nuclear Association, 2024.

Project Pele Overview

As pressure mounts to modernize America’s energy systems, nuclear power is back on the table. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Koroush Shirvan, nuclear expert and professor in MIT’s Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, to break down the fundamentals of nuclear energy and its potential role in national security. Together, they explore what powers today’s nuclear plants, how they compare to coal, and the infrastructure, training, and regulation required to bring new facilities online.

Dr. Koroush Shirvan is the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Professor in Energy Studies

References:

VIDEO: “How Does Nuclear Energy Work? – Presentation by Professor Koroush Shirvan (MIT).” YouTube, uploaded by the Australian Nuclear Association, 2024.

The recent dismissal of the Judge Advocates General of the Army and Air Force has raised new questions about the role of independent legal advice in the U.S. military. This week, we’re airing a special rebroadcast of our May 28th live program on the role of Judge Advocates General in advising military leadership and upholding the law of armed conflict.

The discussion features Rear Admiral James E. McPherson, retired 39th Judge Advocate General of the Navy and former General Counsel and Under Secretary of the Army, and John B. Bellinger III, former Legal Adviser to both the State Department and the National Security Council. Together, they explore the function of the JAG Corps, the implications of recent firings, and the importance of preserving nonpartisan legal guidance in military decision-making.

References:

Event Video: American Bar Association Discussion on President Trump Firing Judge Advocates General. C-SPAN, 28 May 2024.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa and Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former FBI Special Agent, explore how companies can better prepare their people and operations for high-threat environments. From travel security to cultural blind spots, they discuss why planning, awareness, and proactive leadership are key to staying ahead of today’s evolving threat landscape.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Film:The Wages of Fear(1953)

As global demand for energy surges, so do the risks for those working to meet it. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former Director of the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, to explore the dangers facing energy professionals operating abroad. Together, they examine the rise of hostage diplomacy, the targeting of Americans by state actors like Russia, China, and Iran, and the intelligence challenges facing companies operating in high-risk regions like Africa.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

Alterman, Jon B., and Jason Rezaian. Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention. Center for Strategic and International Studies, 4 June 2025

As energy demands surge, protecting the U.S. power grid has become a national security imperative. In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa and Dr. Jonathan Snodgrass of Texas A&M examine the next layer of challenges facing America’s electric grid—from the need for trained personnel to the importance of critical load prioritization. They discuss how redundancy, workforce expertise, and smarter policy conversations can shape a more secure and scalable grid for the future.

Jonathan Snodgrass is a Senior Research Engineer at Texas A&M University

References:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC)

NSLT, Ep. 362, Elemental Power: Rethinking Nuclear—The Rise of Microreactors with Dr. Jeff Waksman (Part 1)

Is our grid capable of supporting our energy needs? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Jonathan Snodgrass of Texas A&M to break down what the electric grid is, who maintains it, and how its vulnerabilities could impact national security. From critical military systems to daily necessities like transportation and groceries, they explore how fragile our energy infrastructure may be—and what lessons the U.S. should draw from recent international blackouts.

Jonathan Snodgrass is a Senior Research Engineer at Texas A&M University

References:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC)

NSLT, Ep. 362, Elemental Power: Rethinking Nuclear—The Rise of Microreactors with Dr. Jeff Waksman (Part 1)