Recent Policy Analysis
US weapons for future include key relics of the past
Jan 27, 2012
The Associated Press' Robert Burns wrote an article entitled "US weapons for future include key relics of the past" that features the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation's Laicie Olson discussing the 2013 Defense Budget.
Pentagon Budget: Forced To Diet On Only $613 Billion
Jan 26, 2012
The Associated Press' Robert Burns wrote an article entitled "US weapons for future include key relics of the past" that features the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation's Laicie Olson discussing the 2013 Defense Budget.
Are ambitious Life Extension Programs on Hold?
Jan 26, 2012
The B61 life extension program has come under increasing scrutiny. And for good reason writes Nickolas Roth in this new analysis.
Missile Defense Intercepts in Space: A problem not solved
Jan 17, 2012
A recent report by the Defense Science Board concludes that U.S. missile defenses are still unable to discriminate between an incoming missile and decoys or countermeasures designed to confound the system, writes Lt. Gen. Robert Gard (USA, ret.) in this new analysis.
UNSCR 1540 & the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit: A View From Seoul
Jan 11, 2012
The Republic of Korea (ROK) has been and remains a staunch supporter of the global nonproliferation regime as it borders a grave security threat and proliferator of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). With the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit just months away, the Republic of Korea should be more interested in enhancing UNSCR 1540, not only as the Summit Chair but against the backdrop of a “Global Korea” policy and the nation’s growing prominence in the nuclear energy industry.
What is to be done? – The Russian Reset and Missile Defense Cooperation
Jan 9, 2012
NATO and Russia are on the verge of missing a big opportunity on missile defense cooperation write Kingston Reif and Ulrika Grufman in this new analysis.
Some Additional Thoughts on the Pentagon Strategy Review and Nuclear Weapons
Jan 9, 2012
On January 5 President Obama and Secretary of Defense Panetta unveiled new defense guidance at a press briefing at the Pentagon. The new strategy sets the stage, albeit cautiously, for further reductions in the U.S. nuclear arsenal and the nuclear weapons budget. How the play ends, however, remains to be seen, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
Where Nuclear Safety and Security Meet
Jan 6, 2012
A Fukushima-like nuclear accident does not have to be caused by nature. Similar results could be wrought by a dedicated terrorist group that gained access to a nuclear power plant and disabled its safety systems. To guard against natural accidents, terrorist sabotage, and possible combinations of these two classes of events, nuclear plant operators and regulators should consider a combined approach called nuclear safety-security.
Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Applauds Pentagon Strategy Review, Urges More
Jan 5, 2012
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation today applauds the Pentagon’s decision to scale back Pentagon spending in a way that best provides for the strength and security of our country, but labeled the move “only a step in the right direction.”
Iraq - Irresponsible Accusations
Dec 29, 2011
Except for libertarian Ron Paul, all the candidates currently seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States have chastised President Obama for his decision to remove U.S. troops from Iraq. Senior Military Fellow Lt. Gen. Robert Gard (USA, Ret.) explains why the GOP candidates are wrong in this new analysis.
North Korea After Kim Jong-il
Dec 19, 2011
North Korean media announced its leader Kim Jong-il died on December 17, 2011. Questions remain about North Korea after Kim Jong-il.
Press Release: Death of North Korean Leader
Dec 19, 2011
On December 18, 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il died--the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation has released the following statement about the recent news.
Energy and Water Conference Agreement Protects Nuclear Material Security Programs, Begins to Reduce Bloated Nuclear Weapons Budget
Dec 16, 2011
The final conference agreement on the FY 2012 Energy and Water bill keeps the goal to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials within four years on track and begins to responsibly scale back the nuclear weapons budget, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
An Analysis of the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Authorization Conference Report
Dec 14, 2011
The conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 provides $530 billion for the Pentagon’s base budget, as well as $116 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and $17 billion for nuclear weapons-related spending at the Department of Energy. The total bill, at $662 billion, provides $26.6 billion less than the President’s requested amount in accordance with limits set by the debt deal in August 2011.
GOP Presidential Candidates on National Security Issues
Dec 13, 2011
The U.S. presidential election is less than a year away and the media is currently filled with news regarding the Republican presidential candidates. We have put together a foreign policy profile for each Republican candidate in the race. We will of course do our best to keep it updated.
The Nuclear Weapons Budget, Cont’d
Dec 11, 2011
The ongoing debate about how much the U.S. spends on nuclear weapons shouldn't allow us to lose sight of the fact that the U.S. spends far more on its nuclear arsenal than is necessary writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
2012 Nuclear Security Summit: Opportunities and Challenges
Nov 22, 2011
“There are clear ways in which Seoul can capitalize on its strengths to flavor the 2012 [Nuclear Security Summit] with a “Korean twist” as it maintains depth on key substantive issues that ensure the security of nuclear materials, parts, and facilities…The challenge lies in clearly demonstrating that the benefits outweigh the costs, and that states would have a national interest in further investing their political capital in nuclear security," writes Duyeon Kim, Deputy Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation in The Nautilus Institute Policy Forum.
Additional Cuts to the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Authorization Bill
Nov 16, 2011
On November 15, 2011, the Senate Armed Services Committee revised the fiscal year (FY) 2012 defense authorization bill to include $21 billion in additional cuts, as mandated by the Budget Control Act.
Before we Bomb Iran, Let's Have a Serious Conversation
Nov 15, 2011
Brig. General John H Johns wrote "Before we Bomb Iran, Let's Have a Serious Conversation," which was featured on the New York Times blog 'Campaign Stops' saying, "America ought not consider another war in the Middle East without a very serious discussion of the consequences." November 14, 2011.
Nuclear Turkeys
Nov 15, 2011
Kingston Reif, "Nuclear Turkeys: The Pentagon has too much hardware once thought necessary to defeat the Soviet Union" was featured on Yuba Net on November 14, 2011.
What the super committee's failure means for nuclear weapons
Nov 14, 2011
On November 21, the 12-member congressional super committee announced that it failed to approve a plan to shrink the budget deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade, triggering an automatic sequester that, if implemented, could result in reductions of $500 billion to planned defense spending over the next decade. These cuts would be in addition to the more than $450 billion in reductions the Pentagon has planned over the next decade.
New Details on Iran Don’t Change the Game
Nov 8, 2011
"A new report on Iran’s nuclear capability from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not contain any startling new developments, but already it has some conservatives in the U.S. and Israel beating the drums for war," says Laicie Olson, Senior Policy Analyst
Economic Security is National Security
Nov 3, 2011
Lt. General Robert Gard's op-ed "Economic Security is National Security" ran in The Bellingham Herald in Washington State on November 3, 2011. Gard's piece argues for cutting wasteful military spending that weakens our national security.
Letter to the President on Nuclear Material Security and Non-Proliferation Funding
Nov 1, 2011
October 27 Letter to the President on Nuclear Material Security and Non-Proliferation Funding
Fact Sheet: Bipartisan Concern about the Threat Posed by Nuclear Terrorism
Oct 28, 2011
Republicans and Democrats agree: The threat posed by nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats to U.S. national security.
NGO Letter in Support of Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) Effort to Reduce Nuclear Weapons Spending
Oct 28, 2011
Information on the Nuclear Triad
Oct 28, 2011
Senate Subcommittee Action on Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Appropriations Bill
Oct 27, 2011
On September 15, the Senate Appropriations Committee completed action on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Defense Appropriations bill. The committee approved $513 billion for the base budget, plus $117.6 billion to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, for a total of $630.6 billion.
A Certain Uncertain Certainty (Preview of U.S.-DPRK Talks)
Oct 24, 2011
Chief nuclear envoys from the U.S. and North Korea will sit down again for bilateral discussions in Geneva to explore ways to resume the stalled six-party talks. The main sticking point is Pyongyang's uranium enrichment program and differences in opinion on what it takes to jumpstart nuclear negotiations.
Adding Money to Weapons from Nonproliferation is a Bad Trade
Oct 21, 2011
Whatever one thinks about the merits of increased funding for nuclear modernization we should all be able to agree that Congress shouldn’t seek to ameliorate funding shortfalls for nuclear weapons by cutting funding for programs that are our first line of defense against nuclear terrorism, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
Supercommittee should put military spending on the table
Oct 20, 2011
Center's Scoville Fellow Patricia Morris' op-ed entitled, "Supercommittee should put military spending on the table" was originally published in the San Antonio Express on October 20, 2011.
Not so Happy Anniversary
Oct 7, 2011
Lt. General Robert Gard and John Isaacs wrote a piece on the 10th Anniversary of Military Operations in Afghanistan for The Hill's Congress Blog on October 7, 2011.
A Modified B83
Oct 6, 2011
2012 Nuclear Security Summit: The Korean Twist
Sep 28, 2011
Duyeon Kim, Deputy Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, gave a talk at the Korea Economic Institute on September 28, 2011 on ways Seoul can give the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit agenda a Korean flare.
Expanding Nuclear Weapons Budget a Bad Investment
Sep 26, 2011
"Getting America's fiscal house in order will require difficult budgetary choices. This means that we need to make smart decisions about what is most needed to safeguard U.S. national security in the 21st century," write Laicie Olson and Kingston Reif in their article published in World Politics Review on September 26, 2011.
Factsheet: 66th UN General Assembly | Nuclear Safety-Security & Treaties
Sep 19, 2011
The 66th UN General Assembly beginning in September in New York will address a host of nuclear issues particularly those pertaining to nuclear safety and security as well as multilateral treaties to prevent nuclear terrorism.
Factsheet: 2011 IAEA General Conference
Sep 19, 2011
The International Atomic Energy Agency's 2011 General Conference will address a host of nuclear issues pertaining to security, safety and safeguards.
Two treaties. One Congress. No time to wait.
Sep 16, 2011
Congress has a chance to take real steps to reduce the risks of nuclear terrorism -- if only they would act, write Kingston Reif and Miles Pomper in an article published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
UN Study on the Implications of Fukushima (2011)
Sep 14, 2011
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a UN system-wide study on the implications of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It builds on his five-point plan and will be presented at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 66th UN General Assembly. The study examines the emerging nexus between natural disasters, nuclear safety and nuclear security.
Olson's Letter to the Editor on Iran in the Washington Post
Sep 13, 2011
Senior Policy Analyst, Laicie Olson wrote a Letter to the Editor on "Iran's nuclear threat: Fact or Fantasy?" The letter appeared in The Washington Post on September 13, 2011
Review of the Senate Appropriations Committee Version of the FY 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
Sep 12, 2011
Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and the rest of the members of the subcommittee deserve great credit for prioritizing essential nuclear and radiological material security and nonproliferation programs, writes Kingston Reif in his analysis of the Senate Appropriations Committee version of the FY 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.
Senate Appropriations Committee Allocations for Defense (302B allocations)
Sep 8, 2011
An overview of the Senate Appropriations Committee Allocations for Defense.
A funding cut that endangers America
Sep 7, 2011
Lt. General Robert Gard's op-ed, "A funding cut that endangers America" was originally published in The Baltimore Sun on September 7, 2011.
[Op-Ed] Nature and Malice: Confronting multiple hazards to nuclear power infrastructure
Sep 7, 2011
Duyeon Kim, Deputy Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, co-authors op-ed on "Nature and Malice: Confronting Multiple Hazards to Nuclear Power Infrastructure" published in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on September 7, 2011.
North Korea-Russia Summit: Still Standstill.. Perhaps Regression, Even?
Aug 24, 2011
Pyongyang and Moscow held their first summit in nine years focusing primarily on boosting economic ties amid diplomatic efforts to jumpstart the stalled Six Party Talks over North Korea's nuclear ambitions. An initial assessment based on the first media reports of the summit shows no news on the nuclear front.
Weighing the Impact of the Nuclear Suppliers Group’s New Guidelines
Aug 22, 2011
On June 23-24, the 46 members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a multinational consortium of nuclear technology suppliers that aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, decided to tighten its guidelines on the transfer of sensitive enrichment and reprocessing technologies. Emma Lecavalier assesses the impact of the new guidelines in this new analysis.
How Safe is the US?
Aug 18, 2011
"How Safe is the US?" was originally published in the Asia Times on August 18, 2011. Written by Chris Hellman, Military Policy Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation.
Laicie Olson quoted by the AP on defense cuts
Aug 14, 2011
Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation Senior Policy Analyst Laicie Olson was quoted by the AP in "Doomsday defense cuts loom large for select 12" By Donna Cassata--August 14, 2011
Three Easy Steps to Increase U.S. National Security – With Bipartisan Backing
Aug 9, 2011
While Washington, DC has been riven between Democratic-Republican open warfare on the debt ceiling, Kingston Reif suggests three immediate steps that Congress can take to reduce the danger posed by nuclear weapons and the materials that could be used to make them, all of which enjoy strong bipartisan support – a rare occurrence on Capitol Hill these days.
Time to Think Safety-Security
Aug 8, 2011
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster gave terrorists and other malefactors a tip. By targeting nuclear plants, they can wreak havoc comparable to that wrought by an earthquake and tsunami, crippling a great economic and military power. It is high time to develop a new paradigm of nuclear safety and security that protects life while spreading the blessings of nuclear power.
Making the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship Less Toxic
Aug 1, 2011
Summer 2011 Intern Emma Lecavalier published an op-ed for YubaNet entitled "Making the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship Less Toxic" on August 1, 2011.
Parting words: Gates and tactical nuclear weapons in Europe
Jul 14, 2011
Before leaving office, Defense Secretary Gates criticized European NATO members for not appropriately sharing costs related to alliance defense obligations. His remarks raise an important question: Is it time to reconsider the deployment of nearly 200 US tactical nuclear weapons in Europe?
Fortenberry-Sanchez amendment a win for nuclear security
Jul 14, 2011
On July 13, the House approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2354) offered by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) to increase the appropriation for the Global Threat Reduction Initiative by $35 million. The result is an important bipartisan victory for the international effort to secure and eliminate vulnerable nuclear material at an accelerated rate and keep our nation safe from the threat of nuclear terrorism, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
A Review of the Senate Armed Services Committee Version of the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Authorization Bill
Jul 11, 2011
On June 16 the Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously approved the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1253). Kingston Reif and Laicie Olson review the key provisions in the bill in this new analysis.
A Joint Study on Nuclear Terrorism
Jun 29, 2011
A joint U.S.-Russia study on nuclear terrorism released by Harvard University on June 6, 2011, warns of a persistent danger that terrorists could obtain or produce nuclear explosive devices and employ them with catastrophic consequences, and that the threat is increasing due to globalization and the proliferation of technical knowledge, writes Lt. Gen. Robert Gard (USA, Ret) in this new analysis.
Laicie Olson on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer"
Jun 29, 2011
On June 29, 2011, Senior Policy Analyst Laicie Olson appeared on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer" in a segment with Pentagon Correspondent Chris Lawrence on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Tactical Nuclear Weapons and Korea
Jun 28, 2011
The issue of redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to Korea resurfaced when President Obama's WMD Coordinator Gary Samore commented on Washington's intent to do so upon Seoul's request. A few conservative South Koreans have called for the redeployment citing North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities. While reintroduction of tactical nuclear weapons will not materialize under the current political climate, it is worthwhile to analyze both sides of the argument.
Heritage Foundation Fails Test on another Treaty
Jun 27, 2011
Uncowed by its failure to convince the U.S. Senate and the American public to oppose the New START treaty, the Heritage Foundation is trying to gin up opposition to another international treaty that would greatly benefit U.S. national security: the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
[Working Paper] 2012 Nuclear Security Summit: Korean Twist
Jun 26, 2011
Participating States are gearing up for the March 2012 Nuclear Security Summit aimed at securing all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world. This paper will attempt to make policy recommendations for the upcoming Summit.
Authorization for the Use of Military Force by a Schizophrenic House of Representatives
Jun 21, 2011
This month, on 3 June, the House passed 268-145 a non-binding resolution, introduced by Speaker Boehner, rebuking President Obama for committing U.S. military forces to NATO operations in Libya without the express consent of Congress. So why does the House version of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act delegate to the President extensive authority to employ military force, writes Lt. Gen Robert Gard (USA, ret.) in this new analysis.
Summary of the House Appropriations Committee Version of the FY 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
Jun 16, 2011
The House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill on June 15. Given a low budget ceiling, the Committee did it’s best to protect vital material security and nonproliferation efforts and made sensible cuts to nuclear modernization programs. Nevertheless, the cuts to threat reduction programs are difficult to comprehend, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis, since these programs counter the most serious threat confronting our national security: the threat of nuclear terrorism.
Analysis of Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Appropriations Bill as approved by House Appropriations Committee
Jun 15, 2011
The House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Defense Appropriations Bill on June 14. The bill contains $530 billion in funding for non-war programs and accounts, an increase of $17 billion over FY 2011 and a decrease of approximately $9 billion from the President’s request.
A Review of the House Version of the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Authorization Bill
Jun 13, 2011
On May 26 the House approved the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1540). Kingston Reif reviews the nuclear weapons related provisions in the bill, both good and bad, in this new analysis.
Breaking Down the First New START Data Exchange
Jun 6, 2011
On June 1, the State Department released a fact sheet detailing the aggregate numbers for the strategic nuclear weapons limited by the treaty. According to the fact sheet, as of February 5, 2011, Russia had 1,537 deployed strategic warheads, 521 deployed strategic delivery vehicles, and 865 deployed and non-deployed launchers. The United States had 1,800 deployed strategic warheads, 882 deployed strategic delivery vehicles, and 1,124 deployed and non-deployed launchers. This means that Russia has already met two of the treaty’s three limits eight years early, writes Kingston Reif in this new analysis.
John Isaacs' Talk at Carnegie Council: Nuclear Arms Control Prospects
Jun 1, 2011
John Isaacs speaks at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs on the prospects for nuclear arms control over the next 18 months.
Time for the U.S. to End Nuclear Test Explosions WorldWide
May 20, 2011
Recently, we traveled through Maine to address college students and local communities on what must be done to reduce the risk posed by nuclear weapons. Our speaking tour brought us to Brunswick, Portland, Biddeford and Unity. Maine constituents saw their representatives lead the nation on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and were eager to know what next steps our nation can take towards real nuclear weapons security.
A Review of the House Armed Services Committee Version of the Fiscal Year 2012 Defense Authorization Bill
May 20, 2011
By a vote of 60 to 1, the House Armed Services Committee approved $553 billion for the Pentagon’s base budget, a 4.1% increase over appropriations for FY 2011, along with an additional $118 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, matching the administration’s request on both counts.
The Game is Changing in Iran
May 13, 2011
Last year, a powerful computer virus called “Stuxnet” targeted Iran’s nuclear program. By the time it was discovered, the virus had succeeded in setting back the country’s nuclear progress. Now, Iran claims to have identified a new threat. The virus, which Iran is calling “Stars,” may or may not be authentic. But no matter the outcome, Iran’s announcement could be good for the United States.
Estimated Iraq and Afghanistan War Funding FY2001-FY2012
May 12, 2011
A summary of Iraq and Afghanistan war funding through Fiscal Year (FY) 2012.
“A New Way Forward: Rethinking U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan" Report
May 12, 2011
The Afghan Study Group produced a report in April 2011, entitled “A New Way Forward: Rethinking U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan” that offers recommendations to the U.S. government and military and rationale for resolving the current civil war in Afghanistan by political means.
“Afghanistan: Negotiating Peace”: A Century Foundation Report
May 6, 2011
The “Afghanistan: Negotiating Peace” report, co-chaired by two internationally renowned diplomats, outlines a political solution for the war in Afghanistan because, they argue, there is no military solution. The foundation for their case is that there is a military stalemate, the Taliban cannot be effectively excluded, the majority of the Afghan and Western public are war-weary and it is a propitious time for negotiations.
Negotiating with North Korea on its Nuclear Program
Apr 28, 2011
It is evident that a nuclear-armed North Korea is exceedingly detrimental to U.S. and allied security interests. It also appears obvious that a military attack on North Korea is highly unlikely to succeed in eliminating Pyongyang’s nuclear capability. However dim the prospect for success, the only realistic option is to pursue dialogue and negotiations with North Korea to try to persuade the regime to give up its nuclear weapons and its production facilities to produce them.
Panetta to Replace Gates as Secretary of Defense
Apr 27, 2011
As has been rumored for some time now, President Obama is expected to announce this week his decision to appoint Director of Central Intelligence Leon Panetta to replace Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The move comes as part of a significant restructuring of the president’s security team. General David Petraeus will reportedly replace Panetta at CIA, General John Allen will replace Petraeus, and Ryan Crocker will replace Karl Eikenberry as US Ambassador in Kabul.
The Cost of Peddling Arms in the Middle East
Apr 22, 2011
Congress approved $102.5 billion in proposed conventional arms transfers with 28 governments in 2010. This amount is $27.5 billion more than the Pentagon asked for from Congress in 2008 and four times the 2000-2009 ten-year average of $27 billion in actual sales. The Obama administration has stated that bolstering the weapons industry could contribute to job-creation in the U.S., but less publicly, they also view arms sales as integral to augmenting U.S. influence abroad. The use of arms sales as a tool of U.S. foreign policy should not escape scrutiny.
A New Nuclear Posture for Egypt?
Apr 20, 2011
In the wake of the stunning protests in Egypt that swept Hosni Mubarak from power, analysts are struggling to determine how the transition to representative government will affect regional and global security. Some observers warn that the next Egyptian government could pursue nuclear weapons. Such predictions are premature at best, write Patricia Morris and Dadie Loh in this new analysis.
As the Crisis Continues- Simplifying Fukushima Daiichi
Apr 13, 2011
Japan is facing a nuclear crisis that seems difficult to fully grasp. On March 11, an earthquake off the Japanese coast caused a tsunami, which hit and crippled the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Initial reports from the media and even Japanese officials’ were confusing and alarming, but as more facts emerge, so does a clearer picture of the causes and consequences of the nuclear crisis at Fukushima Daiichi.
Nuclear Security Summit 1 Year Anniversary
Apr 11, 2011
One year ago, President Barack Obama hosted a historic Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism. While progress has been made, there is a danger that the nuclear material security effort will not be adequately resourced and implemented. The 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit will provide opportunities to advance and expand upon the agenda of the first Summit.
Missile Defense Update 2011: Questions Remain
Apr 8, 2011
The U.S. is engaged in a prolonged, highly expensive and only occasionally successful program to develop a layered, integrated system of systems to defend the homeland, troops and facilities abroad, and some allies from ballistic missile attacks.
Lt. General Robert Gard's talk on nuclear terrorism
Apr 8, 2011
Lt. General Robert Gard discussed nuclear terrorism at the University of Virginia Miller Center of Public Affairs on April 8, 2011
Fukushima and the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit
Mar 18, 2011
"In the wake of Fukushima, it may be time to consider broadening the scope of the Seoul 2012 Nuclear Security Summit to include nuclear safety issues and radioactive materials as well as security," writes Duyeon Kim, Deputy Director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on March 18, 2011.
Fact Sheet: Budget Cuts Hurt Nuclear Security Efforts
Mar 9, 2011
Fact Sheet on the impact of Congressional budget cuts on the effort to secure vulnerable nuclear materials and keep our nation safe from nuclear terrorism.
Non Proliferation Budget Fact Sheet
Mar 8, 2011
Letter to the Senate to support FY11 nuclear security funding
Feb 28, 2011
The Fissile Material Working Group, of which the Center is a member of, wrote a letter to the Administration asking the Senate to support FY11 nuclear security funding.
FY 2011 and FY 2012 Budgets for Nuclear Security
Feb 22, 2011
The international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials in four years and keep our nation safe from nuclear terrorism is at a crossroads.
What Would States Sacrifice for Nonproliferation?
Feb 22, 2011
Center Advisory Board Member, Len Weiss has published "What Would States Sacrifice for Non Proliferation?" in the March 2011 issue of The Nonproliferation Review.
New START's Nuclear Compromise
Feb 22, 2011
The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia officially entered into force in a low-key ceremony in Munich in early February--much to the delight of our military leadership, intelligence community, and just about every national security expert on the planet.
Memorials to Purposelessness
Feb 16, 2011
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the US military offensive into Marjah in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. Operation Moshtarak, as it was called, was the largest military operation in Afghanistan since the removal of the Taliban regime in the fall of 2001. However, it served not just as a military operation, but also as a high profile public relations campaign and the "official" start of America's escalation of the Afghan War.*
Egypt's Success, North Korea's Distress
Feb 15, 2011
The Egyptian revolution has raised hopes of democracy in the region and beyond. But North Korea is a different story.
FY 2012 Budget Request: Detailed Numbers
Feb 14, 2011
On February 14, the Obama Administration released its proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget for the federal government. As part of this budget, the Administration is seeking $553 billion in funding for the Department of Defense, not including funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan or the nuclear weapons related activities of the Department of Energy.
Analysis of FY 2012 Budget Request
Feb 14, 2011
For Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, which begins on October 1, 2011, the Obama Administration has requested a base budget of $553 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD). This is $13 billion below the Pentagon’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) estimate, released last year, but represents about 3 percent in real growth over the funding the department would receive for FY 2011 under the current continuing resolution, which expires on March 4.
Letter to the Administration to support FY11 nuclear security in the next CR or omnibus
Feb 11, 2011
The Fissile Material Working Group, of which the Center is a member of, wrote a letter to the Administration asking the President to support FY11 nuclear security funding in the next Continuing Resolution or Omnibus
UN Sanctions Committee & North Korea's UEP
Feb 6, 2011
The UN North Korea Sanctions Committee is expected to convene later this month, and all eyes are on how it will discuss a UN report on Pyongyang's uranium enrichment program. Meanwhile, China continues to oppose such a discussion at the UN.
How New START Was Won
Feb 4, 2011
On February 2, President Obama officially ratified the New START treaty in a low-key signing ceremony at the White House. The eight month-long campaign to win the Senate’s approval of the treaty, however, was anything but low-key. It was a knock down, drag out fight, the outcome of which was in doubt until the very end. In this new analysis, Kingston Reif outlines some of the key factors that pushed New START across the finish line.
Letter to Congress to support nuclear security funding in the budget request
Feb 3, 2011
The Fissile Material Working Group, of which the Center is a member of, wrote a letter to each member of Congress urging full funding for crucial non proliferation programs in the budget request.
Kingston Reif Radio Interview with Deutsche Welle
Jan 26, 2011
Kingston Reif, Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation at the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation had a radio interview with Deutsche Welle on the significance of New START ratification for both the United States and Russia.
Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address & North Korea
Jan 25, 2011
President Barack Obama demanded in his 2011 State of the Union Address that North Korea abandon its nuclear arsenal. He also made it clear that Washington stands firmly by Seoul, implying that Pyongyang will not be able to drive a wedge between the allies.