Science diplomacy for global security
Wright Lab graduate student Talia Weiss recently traveled to Japan participate in the 63rd Pugwash Conference “80 Years After the Atomic Bombing – Time for Peace, Dialogue and Nuclear Disarmament” and an associated early-career conference that was held prior to the main conference.
The Pugwash Conference, held in Hiroshima November 1-5, commemorated several significant anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, the 70th anniversary of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, and the 30th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Sir Joseph Rotblat and Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs.
According to the Pugwash website, “The mission of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs is to bring scientific insight and reason to bear on namely, the catastrophic threat posed to humanity by nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.”
The conference included both a number of plenary panels and six working groups on the following topics: Nuclear Disarmament and the Future of Arms Control, Nuclear Energy and Non-Proliferation, Asia-Pacific and Nuclear Weapons, Conflict and WMD in the Middle East, European Security, and Emerging Technologies and their Implication for Conflict.
Weiss chaired the conference panel called “The Role of Scientists in Reducing Nuclear Threats,” with panelists David Harel, Israeli Academy of Sciences; Frank von Hippel, Princeton; Anton Khlopkov, Center for Energy and Security Studies; and Michji Konuma, Keio University. Topics discussed included analysis and advocacy related to nuclear test ban treaties and scientists’ role in Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations.
Weiss also participated in the working group “Nuclear Disarmament and the Future of Arms Control,” and, along with Kseniia Pirnavskaia from Russia, were the rapporteurs who presented the report and recommendations of the working group towards the end of the conference.
The working groups recommended several actions, including using a discussion of “no first use” as an entry point to engagement with China on nuclear arms control and the organization of a joint scientific study across nuclear-armed states about the climactic effects of nuclear war.
The working groups and some of the plenary sessions operated under the Chatham House rule, which, Weiss explained, enables more free dialogue by allowing people to share the information discussed, as long as they do not attribute what was said to any particular person.
Weiss said, “The Pugwash Conference was an incredible opportunity for ‘dialogue across divides’ (including between experts in countries with tense relations) to address dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction.”
Prior to the main conference, International Student/Young Pugwash (ISYP) organized a two-day early-career conference on Oct 30-31 called “Next Generation Voices for the Prevention of Nuclear War”. Weiss is the current director of ISYP.
Weiss explained, “At our two-day early-career conference, participants included physical scientists, social scientists, think-tank analysts, diplomats, and other government officials. The group approached challenges at the nexus of science and security with creativity, thoughtful analysis, and an openness to listen to one another.”
The early-career conference brought together thirty-four participants from twenty-two countries. Activities included meeting the hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) Dr. Keiko Ogura, a poster session, presentations of “action briefs” on how to reduce nuclear dangers, forecasting exercises, and reflection/planning sessions to identify leaders who will carry forward recommended initiatives.
Weiss said, “Eighty years after the US dropped atomic bombs on Japan, meeting in Hiroshima was especially significant. Hearing the testimony of hibakusha, including Dr. Keiko Ogura, was powerful. Speaking with hibakusha encouraged us to persevere in ensuring that nuclear weapons are never used again.”