Ohio State University – How to Avert the Coming Arms Race

Abstract 

The United States, Russia, and China are engaged in the early phases of a new nuclear arms race and Russia and NATO are engaged in a nuclear-tinged war in Ukraine. With the recent shredding of arms-control agreements, the arms races may proceed unfettered and could lead to unprecedented dangers to humanity. On the other hand, new bilateral dialogs on strategic stability are possible, which could lead both to reining in the arms races with Russia and China and the basis for a settlement in Ukraine. As scientists we are obliged to understand the dynamics of the arms races and their dangers, and to develop and support means to avert the rush to oblivion.

About the Speaker 

Dr. Robert Goldston is a professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University and associated faculty with Princeton’s Program on Science and Global Security. His research interests include neutron-based methods to verify warheads for disarmament, non-invasive UF6 flow meters and neutron detectors to verify operation of gas-centrifuge enrichment plants, and robotic techniques to monitor areas for undeclared nuclear materials and activities. He serves on the Board of the Council for a Livable World and writes policy pieces for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.