Nuclear Weapons: Sources of Strength or Vulnerability?

Nuclear Weapons: Sources of Strength or Vulnerability?
Aron Bernstein, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date and time: Wed, Dec 07, 2016 - 4:00pm
Refreshments at 3:45pm
Location: Hasbrouck 134
Category: Departmental Colloquium
Abstract:
An objective overview of the nuclear arms race will be presented with an emphasis on the present situation. A brief sketch of how nuclear weapons work and some ironic lessons from history will be presented. Scientists' discussions about preventing proliferation and use started in the secrecy of the Manhattan Project and continued in public during the rapid cold war buildup to the present (e.g., Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists). The Iran agreement, North Korea, and other possible pathways to nuclear conflict will be presented. A personal view (guess) of the outlook to prevent future nuclear weapons use along with the vital role of education, will be presented.