US Dependence on Strategic Nuclear Weapons
Does shifting to “zero” make sense?
With Keith Hansen
The Ramada, 9 am, Friday, June 15
For the past seven decades US national security has been based largely on our stockpile of nuclear weapon systems. Is this still necessary in today’s world? Despite pledges to move the US toward zero, the Obama administration remains committed to a safe and effective nuclear deterrent. Why is this the case, and what obstacles or realities keep the administration from eliminating US dependence on nuclear weapons? Why is the US unable to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)? Will the New START Treaty reduce US dependence on its strategic nuclear stockpile? Is US nuclear policy its own worst enemy in terms of preventing further nuclear proliferation, especially to international terrorists?
Keith Hansen culminated his 35-year government career as the National Intelligence Officer for Strategic Forces and Proliferation. Keith had numerous assignments, both with the State Department & the intelligence community, with a primary focus on Soviet strategic nuclear forces & nuclear proliferation. He participated in bilateral US-Soviet nuclear arms negotiations (SALT II, INF & START) and in the nuclear test ban negotiations (CTBT). Hansen taught national security and global issues at Stanford University (2003-2008) and Sierra Nevada College (2010-2011), and has published three books on national security issues.
Keith will address the size of the US and other nuclear arsenals. It may be that this discussion will require a follow-up session on the roll of nuclear weapons required for maintaining our national security.
No need to RSVP at this time—announcements on both events will be
forthcoming soon.
