Hundreds of nuclear missiles are kept on full-alert 24/7 resulting in increased risks of cyber-attacks from enemies in order to launch the missiles unauthorized. Chances are that the next nuclear detonation won’t come from a calculated missile launch, but from a nuclear accident or a cyber-attack.
As you celebrate Earth Day: more reasons to rebuke the nuke!
At the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation one of our organization’s chief concerns is the threat posed by nuclear weapons, and Earth Day provides an excellent occasion for addressing the negative environmental impacts of nuclear weapons testing and use.
U. S. Highly Enriched Uranium: Mitigating the Risk
For terrorists seeking to develop a nuclear weapon or improvised nuclear device, the most challenging obstacle is the acquisition of enriched nuclear material. But after several security failures, there are concerns about whether the United States’ stockpile of HEU is secure.
Arms Control after New START
On April 8th 2010, President Obama and President Medvedev signed New START, a nuclear weapons treaty designed to increase transparency and decrease deployed nuclear forces. While tension between Russia and the U.S. has inhibited diplomatic engagement on most issues, both countries are still working towards the agreed goal of 1550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads by February 2018. But as we celebrate the national security benefits of New START, looking past the agreement towards the future of nuclear arms control requires a crystal ball.
Six Years Post-Prague
Before we dig the grave on Obama’s Prague promises just yet, let us remember he has over a year and a half to make bold progress and improve his legacy of sensible nuclear weapons policies. And, from Cuba to climate change to immigration, Obama has proved he is refusing to act like a lame duck.
