Category: Nuclear Disarmament

It’s not every day you get to hear the former head of the Pentagon explain why we should get rid of nuclear weapons. William Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, was once the chief developer of nuclear weapons. Now he favors eliminating the weapons he helped build.

Why?  What drives a man with such a long and distinguished career to commit himself in his advanced years to traveling all over the world to advocate nuclear disarmament? He could be taking it easy, playing golf in Florida, but instead next week he’ll brave the snow of northern Indiana to speak with students, faculty, and interested publics about a world without nuclear weapons.

In a public symposium at Notre Dame (Thursday, Feb. 3) entitled “Ethical Dimensions of a World Without Nuclear Weapons,” Perry will explain his reasons. He will focus on the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the spread of global terrorism and argue that global nonproliferation can’t succeed unless all states, led by the United States, commit themselves to eliminating nuclear weapons. Continue reading “William Perry: On Moving Toward Nuclear Zero” →

As a candidate, Barack Obama promised to negotiate with adversaries, but his administration has refused to talk to either North Korea or Iran. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, during her recent visit to the demilitarized zone in Korea, emphasized that the United States will not negotiate with North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons program. Administration officials have said the same about Iran: no discussions until Tehran abandons its nuclear program and ends the enrichment of uranium. The administration’s motto seems to be “no negotiation without capitulation.” That’s a formula for avoiding the bargaining table.
Continue reading “Tough Guys Negotiate” →