ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project, was headquartered in Cadarache, France.
At the very beginning, the location of the headquarters had sparked considerable debate, and it was also one of the major reasons the ITER project had long been unable to move forward.
At the time, there were two candidate locations: one in Japan and one in France.
Japan argued that its proposed site was close to a port and near a U.S. military base. Naturally, the United States supported it, and South Korea also backed the proposal.
France, meanwhile, pointed out that Cadarache already had existing research facilities and better climate conditions, earning support from the European Union, China, and Russia.
In the end, the United States considered its relationship with Europe more important than its relationship with Japan, allowing the project to be established in France.
Of course, from the perspective of that time, this scientific project undoubtedly had an excellent starting point: international scientific cooperation and the joint development of nuclear fusion.
If it could be achieved, it would benefit every nation.
Unfortunately, such an organization was always subject to political interference, repeatedly obstructing its research plans.
As time passed and governments in various countries changed leaders, their policies toward the organization shifted as well.
As a result, this organization, which had originally been founded around a shared scientific goal, inevitably became an extension of politics.
Still, for the many international organizations around the world, this was probably an unavoidable trend.
Inside the headquarters conference room.
"Greetings, esteemed representatives of member states and directors."
"Today is November 15. This weekly meeting is numbered 2025-046."
At the head of the table, ITER's current chairman, Pietro Barabasi, read out the agenda for the meeting.
"First, as usual, I will report to the directors on the current progress of