This book gives an overview of historical and current lines of conflict in the field of nuclear energy, and helps the reader understand current debates. It begins with the development of nuclear energy and its military and commercial applications, then looks at geopolitical and institutional aspects and issues relating to the energy sector. It ends with two issues that are the subject of heated debate in Germany and beyond: the phasing out of nuclear energy, which is explained here in the European and the global context, and the problem of how to dispose of highly radioactive waste.