Fall 2023 Tuesday in the Toyota Events
A conversation on the Future of Nuclear Energy in the United States
In recent polling, Tennesseans overwhelmingly favor nuclear technology for energy production, and states like Tennessee are promoting nuclear power as a path to cleaner energy production. Still, nuclear sources produce only 20 percent of electricity generated in the U.S. How soon could we expect a substantial expansion in nuclear energy production, including small modular reactors? Panelists Jamie Coble, Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering at UTK; Scott Hunnewell, Vice President of the Nuclear Program at Tennessee Valley Authority; and Andrew Nelson, Section Head for Nuclear Fuel Development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will take the podium at the Baker School to address the technical, economic, public perception, and regulatory hurdles that will shape the future of nuclear energy in the United States.
Land Use Policy, the Missing Middle, and Knoxville’s Housing Challenge
As in many metro areas, the availability and affordability of housing in Knoxville have eroded substantially. Strong population and economic growth, alongside pandemic-specific forces, have altered the dynamics of our housing market, and a typical home value has increased 65 percent in the Knoxville metro area since 2019. Can changes in land use and zoning policies provide a solution? Panelists Amy Brooks, Knoxville/Knox County Planning Executive Director; Hancen Sale, Government Affairs and Policy Director for East Tennessee Realtors; and Amy Midis, Knoxville/Knox County Planning commissioner will explore the opportunities and challenges presented by the proposed solutions to our housing crisis as part of the Baker School’s Public Square Series.
The Declaration of Independence Today: Why an Old Text Still Serves Us Now
The Institute of American Civics welcomes Harvard University professor, acclaimed author and democracy expert, and Washington Post columnist Danielle Allen for a discussion of the meaning of the Declaration of Independence for our lives today. Allen, a member of Institute’s Board of Fellows, will grapple with the Constitution’s key contradictions, liberating some citizens while subjugating others, while also observing its key role in establishing equality, one of American democracy’s key tenets. Constitution Day Event sponsored by the Institute of American Civics.
On Ukraine, the Pro Western Actor in Eastern Europe
No matter the military outcome, Ukraine will have been transformed by a war with Russia that began 18 months ago. Former Ambassador of Poland to Ukraine, Kenya, and NATO, Marek Ziolkowski, will explore Ukraine’s role in Europe and its relationship with other Eastern European countries, including Poland, both historically and in the current period. As a guest of the Ashe Lecture Series, the ambassador will assess the opportunities for Ukraine to establish its own national security in a post-war era, and the prospects for a Russian reconciliation with its East European neighbors.
Live Podcast Recording: What Can Government do for America’s Children?
Even while America’s children are experiencing some of the lowest rates of poverty in decades, other metrics of their wellbeing are more concerning. What role government should play in addressing low social mobility, eroding academic achievements, weak college-going, and rising mental health concerns among America’s youth? Hosts of the popular podcast You Might Be Right¸ Governors Haslam and Bredesen, and their guests, Melissa Kearny, University of Maryland Professor of Economics and Director of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group and Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, evaluate the evidence on the wellbeing of America’s children and their parents, and the public policies that might make a difference.
How Disinformation and News Silos Distort Thinking on National Security & Foreign Policy
Disinformation and news silos are exacerbating the poisonous political – and public – rhetoric that has infected even the relatively bipartisan sphere of national security and foreign policy. Viola Gienger, Washington Senior Editor of Just Security, will explore how the news environment and American society got to this point and where the trends seem to be going, including with the advent of artificial intelligence. Gienger will also address how civic and political leaders, the news media, and Americans can return to having civil and constructive discussions about national security and foreign policy.