I am interested in how the issue of nuclear non-proliferation is addressed with a variety of audiences and, to what extent, this existential discussion is driven by non-governmental organizations. The following are a few selected links (many more are available) that highlight how this most global of matters is being engaged:
1. The Nuclear Threat Initiative: A non-profit organization with a mission to strengthen global security by reducing the risk of use and preventing the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and to work to build the trust, transparency and security which are preconditions to the ultimate fulfillment of the Non-Proliferation Treaty’s goals and ambitions. NTI is an outgrowth of the non-proliferation work by Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar and has support from deep pockets like Warren Buffett and Ted Turner.
2. Nuclear Tipping Point: A documentary by NTI that begins with the question, “What if terrorists got a nuclear bomb?” (That question resonates even more after the most recent near miss in Times Square in New York City.) I just watched the film and it is very compelling. The production is high quality and would be useful for presenting to college classes, community groups and other such gatherings. It includes interviews with Henry Kissinger, Sam Nunn, William Perry, George Schultz and Mikhail Gorbachev – with an introduction by Colin Powell. These Cold Warriors make a compelling (frightening in an understated way) case about the changing nature of the nuclear threat and the catastrophe that would ensue from the detonation of even one nuclear weapon. DVDs of the film can be requested free of charge. The website also has a trailer of the film and additional information on steps citizens can take now to reduce nuclear dangers.
3. 2007 Wall Street Journal op-ed by Kissinger, Nunn, Perry and Schultz: “A World Free of Nuclear Weapons” available here via the Nuclear Security Project.
4. “NPT Faces Challenges as Iran Knocks on Door,” by Leonard s. Spector in Yale Global Online.
5.“North Korea and Syria: A Warning in the Desert”by Gregory L. Schulte in Yale Global Online.
6. “Is a World Without Nuclear Weapons Really Possible?” by Michael O’Hanlon in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
7. The Nuclear Security Initiative at the Stanley Foundation.
Radioactive Challenge, a new video report produced by The Stanley Foundation, examines the effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials globally within four years as outlined by the US administration. Through interviews with experts, government officials and a visit to Kazakhstan to examine cooperative nuclear security efforts there, Radioactive Challenge aims to encourage discussion about the complexities of the world’s greatest security challenge: keeping nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists.
You can view the video here.
A Now Showing Toolkit has also been developed around the documentary and is available free upon request. With event planner and moderator guides chock full of helpful tips and resources, the toolkit has everything needed to put together a successful event. Discussion guides are provided to facilitate group discussion on the issues raised in the video. The toolkit also includes materials that provide further background for the discussion. A copy of the video toolkit can be requested here.
8. The Nuclear Weapons Program at the Henry L. Stimson Center.
9. And last but not least, make sure to read the FPB’s excellent blog on Arms Control and Proliferation by my blogging colleague William Sweet.