Q&A: ‘If You Are in the Business of Peace, You Must Talk to Those Who Are at War’

Why It Matters

If elected, Grossi could reshape the UN’s role from a passive observer to a hands‑on mediator in global conflicts, directly influencing nuclear non‑proliferation, energy policy, and climate governance.

Key Takeaways

• Grossi nominated by Argentina for UN secretary‑general 2027
• Advocated direct dialogue with Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel
• Calls for nuclear energy as baseload for energy security
• Warns proliferation risk: potential 25‑30 nuclear states
• Suggests UN secretary‑general should mediate major conflicts

Pulse Analysis

Rafael Grossi’s candidacy marks a rare convergence of nuclear expertise and high‑level diplomacy. Having steered the IAEA through the fallout of the Iran nuclear deal, the Ukraine‑Russia war, and threats to nuclear facilities, he brings a pragmatic approach to conflict resolution that emphasizes direct engagement over public condemnation. This hands‑on style, if applied to the UN secretary‑general’s office, could revitalize the organization’s capacity to mediate entrenched disputes in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, where the current diplomatic vacuum often fuels escalation.

Energy security sits at the heart of Grossi’s vision, linking nuclear power to climate goals and geopolitical stability. He argues that renewables alone cannot guarantee baseload power for economies transitioning away from fossil fuels, especially in regions like Central and Eastern Europe that face gas supply volatility. By promoting a balanced energy mix—nuclear, gas, and renewables—Grossi aims to reduce dependence on hostile actors and create a more resilient global energy architecture, a stance that resonates with both climate advocates and national security strategists.

Beyond energy, Grossi warns of two looming global threats: unchecked nuclear proliferation and the militarization of artificial intelligence. He envisions a UN that not only mediates wars but also sets norms for AI‑enabled weapons and safeguards against a future where dozens of states acquire nuclear arsenals. His experience hosting AI‑nuclear symposia underscores a belief that technology, when governed responsibly, can bolster rather than undermine peace. Should he win, Grossi’s blend of technical knowledge and diplomatic tenacity could steer the UN toward more proactive, integrated solutions to the world’s most pressing risks.