CNND/APLN Policy Brief: "Advancing Nuclear Disarmament: The US Role"

March 31, 2014

Please see the link below for the most recent Policy Brief from the Centre for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (CNND) at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University’s College of Asia & the Pacific, and the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN).

Policy Brief No. 10 - Advancing Nuclear Disarmament: The US Role
By William C. Potter and Benjamin Pack
March 2014

Summary:  "A year into President Obama’s second term, the outlook for US leadership in advancing nuclear disarmament is bleak, especially in contrast to the promise of the “Arms Control Spring” of 2010.  

To be sure, the administration does not shoulder all of the blame for the slow pace in implementing the president’s Prague agenda. Russian opposition to further nuclear cuts and Congressional obstructionism to anything progressive have hamstrung key presidential priorities.  But the administration has also failed to capitalize on opportunities to exercise US leadership when they have presented themselves – the decision not to attend the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons in Nayarit, Mexico in February 2014 being the most recent.  

While the impediments to a more assertive US role in advancing nuclear disarmament are immense, progress could be achieved if the administration is willing to introduce adjustments to nuclear force posture and doctrine that are necessary because of pressing budgetary constraints.  In addition, they can and should identify more ambitious initiatives for action within the P5 Process, while promoting disarmament and non-­proliferation education and the expansion of nuclear-­weapon-free zones. Astute and bold leadership by the president will be required to revitalize the Prague agenda and to realize more fully its promise."


The Simons Foundation supports the Centre for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and Jennifer Allen Simons, C.M., Ph.D., LL.D. is a member of their International Advisory Board.  The Hon. Gareth Evans, A.C., Q.C., is the Board's Chair and Chancellor of the Australian National University, and one of The Simons Foundation's Peace Leaders.