Taking A Different Starting Point

In this opinion brief, Julie Rønbeck reflects on the Norwegian conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, which was held March 4-5. She also reviews the broader context for the event and civil society involvement.

The U.S. Nuclear Deterrent: An International Perspective

BASIC's Executive Director reflects upon the Nuclear Deterrence Summit, which included a BASIC event on “European Perspectives on Nuclear Deterrence in the 21st Century” on February 20, 2013. This brief paper includes summaries of views expressed by a number of international participants at the conference, with a focus on transatlantic relations.

Evidence submitted by CND

JANUARY 2013

Summary of evidence submitted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND):

The UK and Armed Drones

While the majority of drones are still used for surveillance activities and their use widespread for reconnaissance and civilian purposes around the world, there has in recent years been the emergence of attack drones by three countries – the United States, Israel and the UK.

Theatre Nuclear Weapons and the next round of bilateral New START Treaty follow-on talks

BASIC Senior Consultant Ted Seay briefly reviews the military and arms control history of TNWs and highlights Russian concerns around forging a new agreement on remaining U.S. and Russian warheads. He concludes the paper by assessing several options for the United States and NATO.

Russia in the Middle East

With recent regime changes and ongoing conflicts, the Middle East is a major concern for security threats and proliferation of WMD. The international community is heavily involved in the region, but it seems that Russia's goals in and for the Middle East have been scrutinized by Western powers.

Iran Update 163

IAEA reports that Iran has added more centrifuges at underground enrichment facility, but additional centrifuges not operating
Iran and IAEA to resume talks on December 13th
Iran says willing to attend conference for Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction
Close calls regarding Israeli attacks on Iran come to light
Britain may not cooperate in any military attack by the United States and Israel
EU reinforcing sanctions against Iran
Iran fires upon U.S. drone
Iran’s nuclear power plant likely experiencing more problems

Modernizing NATO’s Nuclear Forces

NATO’s nuclear posture is scheduled to undergo a significant modernization over the next decade that involves upgrading both the nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles. The modernization will significantly increase the military capabilities of NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe. The modernization plan contradicts key elements of the Deterrence and Defense Posture Review (DDPR).