2023 Undergraduate Fellow Spotlight: Aidan Ng
Aidan Ng is a rising junior at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service majoring in International Politics. He is fascinated by nonproliferation studies because nuclear politics lie at the intersection of so many fields, like psychology, economics, and game theory. He is especially interested in studying how weapons of mass destruction disproportionately affect urban and lower-income communities, and how we can incorporate different perspectives to further progress on non-proliferation efforts. Previously, Aidan interned at the Office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and at the United States Department of Agriculture. He views his CNS fellowship as his next step in better understanding foreign policy, diplomacy, and public service. Outside of academics, Aidan is very involved in Georgetown’s student government, Asian American Students Association, and musical theater community. During his free time, he loves to write music, bike, and travel!
Research Presentation: Nuclear Energy, Export Controls & Southeast Asia
This project will examine the role of US export controls in facilitating or disabling the shift toward nuclear energy in Southeast Asia. The presentation will begin with a historical analysis of ASEAN state’s capabilities and attempts to nuclearize, and how those efforts tie into their present actions. Next, the presentation will attempt to predict when each ASEAN state is likely to shift towards nuclear energy, and what that process may look like. Finally, the presentation will examine how the US can use export controls (or lack of export controls) to protect its interests in the region amid a nuclear transition.
