WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control

Understand the roles of arms control and nonproliferation regimes, as well as the U.S. strategic posture, in confronting the challenges of nuclear weapons, with a special focus on the growing role of China as a regional and world power, and the dangers of North Korea’s nuclear weapons capability at a time of regime transition.

Examine the challenges and implications of Iran’s nuclear program and Pakistan’s expanding nuclear arsenal, in terms both of regional stability and the global nonproliferation regime. Increase your understanding of the role of nuclear weapons in international security challenges and of ways to manage the threats they pose.

The Obama administration’s reaffirmation of American engagement in the Asia-Pacific region for strategic and economic reasons is welcome, but describing it as a “pivot” toward the region in the wake of U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan neglects the continuity through decades of U.S. involvement in the region, three senior foreign policy figures from the United States, Japan and South Korea said at a forum sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on December 15.

On December 15th, USIP hosted a panel of current and former officials from the U.S., Japan and South Korea that examined the post-2012 political, economic and security landscape in Northeast Asia following leadership changes – both democratically facilitated and planned.  Against this background, the panel assessed challenges and opportunities for the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

On December 15th, USIP hosted a panel of current and former officials from the U.S., Japan and South Korea that examined the post-2012 political, economic and security landscape in Northeast Asia following leadership changes – both democratically facilitated and planned.  Against this background, the panel assessed challenges and opportunities for the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

Identity-based conflicts rooted in ethnic or religious differences pose distinctive challenges for third-party mediators and other advisers. The course will outline strategies for addressing these issues, including responding to leaders who enflame identities, approaching the touchy issue of religion—both your own and local people's, building relationships through dialogue and ritual, and making use of indigenous or traditional reconciliation measures.

In light of the national security importance of India-Pakistan relations, USIP supports two Track-II dialogues on normalization between the two nuclear powers. On July 12, USIP convened a discussion with key participants from these dialogues and Congressional experts for a look ahead at outcomes to expect from reemerging official dialogue between India and Pakistan, and what these talks could mean for stability in South Asia.

This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to release a report on the status of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. USIP’s Dan Brumberg discusses the possible impact of the report.

The Iran Primer is a practical and accessible “go-to” resource for practitioners, policymakers, academics, and students, as well as a fascinating wealth of information for anyone interested in understanding Iran’s pivotal role in world politics.

The Institute’s Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding held the course in nuclear nonproliferation Sept. 26-30. And, for the first time ever, an undersecretary of state, Ellen Tauscher, spoke to an Academy class. Tauscher is the undersecretary of state for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.