This paper explores the recent adoption of nuclear power in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and contrasts it with the recent decision to phase-out nuclear power in Germany and Switzerland. Assuming that all of these countries desire some semblance of energy security, while simultaneously seeking to reduce their carbon emissions, this paper asks: why do some states see nuclear as a necessary tool while others strongly object to its continued use? The debate surrounding nuclear power is often framed as an either/or debate that fails to seriously discuss the trade-offs of adopting or abandoning the technology. This paper argues that an informed debate about the benefits of nuclear power is needed to overcome the perceived risks of using the technology.