|
Nuclear Security, Nuclear Weapons
It is clear that the next administration will face increased pressure from Congress to define a new nuclear weapons policy and a coherent nuclear power program.
Our work on nuclear weapons includes looking at the scientific and technical base at the national laboratories; the post-Cold War, post-9/11 role of nuclear weapons in defending the U.S.; the science and technology needed for verification and compliance measures associated with arms control treaties; and nuclear forensics. Work on nuclear power focuses on three main topics: the proliferation dangers associated with enrichment and reprocessing technologies, the protection of extant supplies of fissile materials, and the safety and security of nuclear reactors.
Given the current trend toward further expansion of nuclear power as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change, it is essential to also focus on ways to reduce the associated proliferation risks. In particular, ongoing external evaluations of DOE’s Global Nuclear Energy Partnership will help Congress and DOE identify a path forward on that project; broader debate and discussion of post-Cold War; post-9/11 nuclear policy will help the next administration determine the proper nuclear posture; and continuing analyses of the capabilities of North Korea and Iran (and any other potential breakout states); and technical background for the 2010 review of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons are all areas in which STSI contribution is needed.
To view more related content on Nuclear Security, Nuclear Weapons Click here.
|
