The American Society of International Law, the National Capitol Area of the United Nations Association, and the United Nations Association of the United States
The American Society of International Law, the National Capitol Area of the United Nations Association, and the United Nations Association of the United States will present a luncheon debate on an issue of current and critical importance: the Obama Administration's commitment to seek a world free of nuclear weapons that will require the complete and verifiable elimination of all nuclear weapons in accordance with a comprehensive and verifiable treaty. Online registration encouraged.
The United States first proposed that goal in 1947, at the dawn of the Cold War when it was the only nuclear power. But, it was virtually abandoned during the Cold War. Although the commitment was enshrined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and ritualistically reiterated from time to time by the nuclear states, it was never seriously pursued until the President Obama speaking in Prague last year announced that the elimination of nuclear weapons is a top priority for United States. Since then, the leaders of Russia, Japan, China and others have proclaimed their commitment to that goal. And, the Security Council, at a meeting on September 24, 2009, held at the heads-of-state level, passed a resolution pledging "to create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapon." So, the issue has been reinvigorated and is now receiving serious attention for the first time in more than 60 years.
Proposals to create a nuclear weapons free world, needless to say, raise a host of questions. Is it in the national security interest of the United States, the world's leading nuclear power, to seek the elimination of such weapons? The technology to build nuclear bombs has been well known for years, so how can such weapons be eliminated realistically? These weapons have not been used in anger since WW ll and there has been no global war during the nuclear era. So, do nuclear weapons help to keep the peace? What is the purpose of nuclear weapons? What is the best process for negotiating a comprehensive treaty banning the manufacture, use and possession of nuclear weapons? How would such an agreement be governed, compliance verified and violations punished? What about non-state actors, especially terrorist organizations that would not be party to any treaty?
Arguing in favor of the proposition that the United States should seek the elimination of nuclear weapons will be Ambassador Thomas Pickering. Ambassador Pickering holds the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the US Foreign Service. Taking the opposing position will be Frank Gaffney. Mr. Gaffney's government service includes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, the senior position in the Defense Department with responsibility for policies involving nuclear forces and arms control.
The debate will be moderated by Ambassador David Birenbaum. Ambassador Birenbaum is a former United States Ambassador to the United Nations for UN Management and Reform and is now a Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and of counsel to the law firm of Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson, having retired from that firm as a partner.
EVENT DETAILS
12:00 p.m. -12:30 p.m. Lunch; 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Debate
REGISTRATION DETAILS
All ASIL and UNA/NCA members may register for Free. All Non-ASIL and Non-UNA/NCA members may register for $15.00.
Online registration is encouraged.
Difficulties with registration? Please contact the ASIL Service Center at services@asil.org or +1-856-380-6810.