As former president Jimmy Carter visits Pyongyang, any movement on resumption of stalled talks on North Korea's denuclearization is unlikely, says CFR fellow Sue Terry. Washington should continue to deter Pyongyang's aggressive behavior using sanctions and working with regional allies, she says.
Writing for the Washington Post, Nicholas Eberstadt argues that for all of its many weaknesses, North Korea employs a coherent and consistent strategy for nuclear negotiations.
Jonathan Pearl says that with the New START treaty entering into force, next steps must begin now for the U.S. to achieve further bilateral nuclear reductions with Russia.
CFR Senior Fellow Michael Levi reviews possible states of the Iranian nuclear program, evaluating the range of policy outcomes in order to better guide decisions on strategy.
As nuclear talks between Iran and major powers resume, the moment is ripe for a U.S.-led diplomatic offensive, backed by economic incentives, to persuade Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program, says CFR's Matthew Fuhrmann.
Authors: William J. Broad, John Markoff, and David E. Sanger
This New York Times article by William J. Broad, John Markoff and David E. Sanger examines the development and impact of the Stuxnet computer worm in undermining Iran's nuclear program.
Speakers: Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko Presider: Clifford A. Kupchan
Following U.S. ratification of the New START arms control treaty with Russia, join Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko for a discussion of the next steps in U.S. and Russian nuclear cooperation.
Speakers: Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko Presider: Clifford A. Kupchan
Following U.S. ratification of the New START arms control treaty with Russia, Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko discuss the next steps in U.S. and Russian nuclear cooperation, in particular with regard to missile defense cooperation and the new "123 Agreement."
Speakers: Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko Presider: Clifford A. Kupchan
Following U.S. ratification of the New START arms control treaty with Russia, Rose E. Gottemoeller, Steven Pifer, and Micah Zenko discuss the next steps in U.S. and Russian nuclear cooperation, in particular with regard to missile defense cooperation and the new "123 Agreement."
Authors: Matthew Fuhrmann and Todd S. Sechser Christian Science Monitor
Matthew Fuhrmann and Todd S. Sechser warn against the dangers of the hysteria over nuclear weapons and blackmail that underlies the calls for military force against Iran.
Catherine Collins and Douglas Frantz explain how, "The damage done by rogue Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan's network show that nations must put aside their individual interests to stop proliferation."
Authors: Eric S. Edelman, Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr., and Evan Braden Montgomery
It is unclear how a nuclear-armed Iran would weigh the costs, benefits, and risks of brinkmanship, meaning that it could be difficult to deter Tehran from attacking the United States' interests or partners in the region.
The New START treaty is due for a ratification vote today, clearing the way for future arms reductions talks with Russia along with continuing political battles over arms control.
Global agreements aim to promote peaceful nuclear power while preventing the spread of materials, equipment, and technologies used to make nuclear weapons. CFR's research, meetings, interviews, backgrounders, and interactive content provide an essential source of analysis on these issues.
CFR Experts Guide
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
Two experts argue that despite myriad development strategies, only one can succeed in alleviating poverty in India: the overall growth of the country's economy. More