The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: News

ElBaradei [Click to enlarge]

Understanding other nations and the role of political agendas in the race for nuclear arms was discussed Wednesday in a panel discussion between nuclear energy experts.

Among the experts were Nobel Peace Prize Winner Mohamed ElBaradei and former U.S. Commander in Chief of Strategic Command Eugene Harbiger.

The event drew a crowd filling the Georgia Center's Master Hall to capacity for almost two hours, while ElBaradei and colleagues tackled the controversy of nuclear terrorism and discussed efforts to expand peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

"Nuclear weapons are a manifestation of inequalities and insecurities," ElBaradei said during the discussion.

The discussion was led by the University's Center for International Trade and Security Director, Gary Bertsch.

Several panelists emphasized that understanding the dynamics of nations besides the United States is integral to creating peaceful global relationships.

Panelists suggested that hostile communication or lack thereof with other nations in the past had led to threatening situations.

"The tragic moment is the bilateral relationship that is so overloaded with the past," said Igor Khripunov, CITS associate director.

The bilateral relationship, Khripunov said, specifically referred to relations between Iran and Russia. The race to advance nuclear technology was more pronounced in these nations, he said, and past conflicts posed many obstacles to achieving united approaches toward cooperation.

Political agendas are suggesting a drastic reduction in nuclear weapons for these nations, Khripunov said, and some panelists said those agendas may also present obstacles.

"Russia is trying to reassert itself as a great power," said Khripunov. "Nuclear weapons are [Russia's] national treasure - reducing [their weapons] is a difficult process."

The United States' relationship with Iran and nuclear energy was also a topic of discussion.

One panelist explained the concept of a multinational system that integrates nuclear facilities as a possible resolution for conflicts between the two countries.

Pressing issues with fuel cycle proposals and nuclear reactors piqued the international scholars' concerns with Iranian nuclear developments. But a few panelists said they believe resolution is achievable.

"I think the U.S. is at the tipping point," said Eugene Habiger, CITS distinguished fellow.

Habiger and fellow panelists expressed optimism in the new administration under President Obama.

Obama's implementation of a more comprehensive approach overrides the concern of possible nuclear threats and challenges, Habiger said. Civic engagement and open dialogue marked the changes, he said, and with security still on the American agenda, the threat of nuclear terrorism might have a more positive outlook in the face of cynicism.

Habiger said a nuclear-free world is improbable, but the steps he and other scholars take toward achieving that goal is worth the effort.

"It is better to take incremental steps than to do nothing at all," he said.

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