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Nonproliferation and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Practice and Challenges

September 26, 2011 - September 30, 2011

 

Source: U.S. Department of Energy. Gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment recovered from the BBC China in Italy, en route to Libya, in 2003. They were later taken to the Y-12 complex in the USA where this picture was taken (with a Y-12 guard also in the picture).

(Source: DOE)

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Location

U.S. Institute of Peace
2301 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037

Important information about visiting us.

  

We have experienced technical issues with our registration system that have been resolved.  If you have encountered problems registering and are interested in attending the course, please contact Brian Rose at brose@usip.org.

This course is a pilot, and will be offered at a reduced tuition of $195 USD.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons and associated technologies to state or non-state actors is recognized as the most serious danger to the international security environment.  

The number of states that possess or seek to possess nuclear weapons is growing.  The possible accession of new members to the “nuclear club” severely threatens to destabilize global and regional security dynamics, and has the potential to lead to more and more states acquiring nuclear weapon in a catalytic chain of proliferation.  This spread also increases the risk of violent non-state groups obtaining and detonating a nuclear weapon.  In statements by the leadership of several terrorist groups, the acquisition of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is identified as a goal in their efforts to commit violent acts against the United States and its allies.  It is widely believed, and historical record shows, that such groups would use nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction if they can acquire or build them.

This course will provide students and practitioners with an in-depth overview of the challenges of proliferation and opportunities to thwart the spread of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.  In particular, participants will review the framework of the international nonproliferation regime, identify shortcomings and opportunities to strengthen international controls.  Students will also be given an overview of the nuclear fuel cycle and its proliferation risks.  Special attention will be paid to the threat of nuclear terrorism as well as the proliferation challenges posed by Iran, North Korea, and others.  Threats from chemical, biological, and missile proliferation will also be reviewed.

Students will sharpen critical analytical skills in assessing nonproliferation issues and gain a better understanding of their broader impact through participation in simulations and group discussions. Guest lecturers will provide important current insight and insider perspectives into course topics.

Classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

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