Japan

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Going back to the Six-Party Talks, is there any hope?

North Korea’s nuclear weapons program has given rise to much debate on the security challenges that it brings to the international system. Its deployment of ballistic missiles and testing of nuclear devices (2006, 2009, and 2013) have alarmed states around the world, and posed dangers and threats to the region. In fact, recent activity at North Korea’s nuclear facility has given rise to new concerns about the possibility of a fourth nuclear test. 

Country Report: North Korea

North Korea withdrew from the NPT to became a nuclear weapon state in 2006. BASIC monitors North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile capability developments and multilateral political talks regarding the country's nuclear program in its Getting to Zero updates. Read the GTZ update summaries in reverse chronological order below.

Iran Update: Number 151

  • Iran pronounces strong commitment to nuclear program after IAEA releases latest critical report
  • Major diplomatic maneuvers remained stalled
  • Western countries continue to tighten sanctions
  • BASIC at Iran’s second international nuclear disarmament conference, June 12-13

The United States, NATO’s Strategic Concept, and Nuclear Issues

Washington appeared satisfied with the November 2010 Lisbon Summit outcome and new Strategic Concept regarding nuclear weapons and arms control. In this article, Amb. Steven Pifer analyzes the dual tracks of the Deterrence and Defense Posture Review process and development of a U.S. approach to nonstrategic nuclear weapons for possible future negotiations with Russia.

Iran Update: Number 150

  • Iranian officials allege new virus attack; mark latest plans for nuclear program
  • Latest U.S. assessments and speculation about Tehran’s capabilities and intentions
  • Sanctions and alleged smuggling
  • Regional developments

Chernobyl remembered

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl on April 26th 1986. Until the combined power of an earthquake and tsunami struck the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan on March 11th, it was the world’s worst civilian nuclear catastrophe. There are key differences between the two: Chernobyl was caused by human error and technological failure, whereas the Japanese tragedy, which is still unfolding, was the result of a natural disaster on an epic scale.