On March 5, 2008, PONI hosted a breakfast with former secretary of defense, Dr. Harold Brown. Discussion centered on two of Dr. Brown's recent publications: "New Nuclear Realities" (Washington Quarterly, 31, no.1, Winter 2007-08) and "The Nuclear Disarmament Fantasy" (Wall Street Journal, November 19, 2007). Dr. Brown opened by providing an overview of the factors contributing to the increasing concern over nuclear proliferation, why states pursue nuclear weapons, possible responses to proliferation risks, and the challenges inherent in seeking to abolish nuclear weapons altogether. The question and answer session that followed dealt with identifying the appropriate size, composition and role of the US nuclear weapons stockpile; articulating a cogent and credible nuclear weapons policy; dissuading states from pursuing nuclear weapons development in a complex international security environment; and other related topics. PONI would like to thank Dr. Brown as well as those who attended the breakfast and contributed to the discussion.
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