Episode 236: AI, Nuclear Security, and Nuclear Supply Chain Risk with Dr. Sarah Case Lackner

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen is joined by Dr. Sarah Case Lackner to explore the emerging risks and evolving opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nuclear security. With increasing attention on the resilience of global infrastructure, Dr. Case Lackner unpacks how AI is reshaping nuclear supply chains, the hidden dangers of counterfeit components, and the urgent need for cybersecurity preparedness across the sector.

From predictive maintenance tools to the threat of ransomware and supply chain sabotage, this conversation highlights both the promise and peril of integrating AI into one of the world’s most high-consequence industries. Dr. Case Lackner shares her insights on AI explainability, capacity building, the role of red-teaming in nuclear facilities, and the broader international risks facing today’s critical infrastructure professionals.

Dr. Sarah Case Lackner is a Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). She previously served as a Senior Nuclear Security Officer at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and held roles at the U.S. Department of State and the National Academy of Sciences. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago, she brings both scientific expertise and extensive policy experience to the global nuclear security conversation.

Related Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Nuclear Security and the Nuclear Supply Chain in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Co-authored by Dr. Case Lackner, this report explores the intersection of AI technologies and nuclear security.
• Securing the Nuclear Supply Chain: A Handbook of Case Studies on Counterfeit, Fraudulent and Suspect Items – A key report mentioned in the episode, offering real-world examples of supply chain vulnerabilities.

The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.

Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Opening & Guest Introduction
• 1:38 AI Risks in the Nuclear Supply Chain
• 4:26 Understanding Nuclear Security Threats
• 8:56 AI as a Tool in Nuclear Infrastructure
• 13:07 Balancing Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Energy
• 15:54 Counterfeit Threats in the Nuclear Supply Chain
• 18:13 Barriers to Detecting Counterfeit Components
• 20:07 Improving Nuclear Security Through Cyber and AI Awareness
• 23:28 AI Explainability and Human Oversight
• 26:57 Training and Capacity Building in AI for Nuclear Security
• 29:00 Advice for Risk Professionals: Preparing for AI in Nuclear Security
• 32:22 Red Teaming AI Systems in Nuclear Environments
• 33:48 Biggest International Risks on the Horizon
• 34:50 Outro & Reflections