Over 800 experts and officials from more than forty-five countries and international organizations came together to debate—and explore solutions for—the most pressing challenges in nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, deterrence, energy, and security.
Keynote Speakers
Adam Smith
Chairman, U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee
Discussion moderated by Jen Psaki
Andrea Thompson
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
Discussion moderated by Mark Fitzpatrick
Program
Opening Keynote with Undersecretary Andrea Thompson
An opening keynote with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson.
Keynote with Special Representative Stephen Biegun
A keynote with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun.
Command-and-Control Vulnerability: Are There Solutions to a Growing Problem?
For all the attention paid to the growing threats to nuclear forces, it may be their command-and-control systems that are more vulnerable.
What Are the Lessons and Implications of Implementing the JCPOA?
On May 7, 2018, President Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Iran Nuclear Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Nuclear Crises in South Asia: Underrated or Overstated?
Nuclear deterrence arguably has prevented the outbreak of major conflict in South Asia.
The End of Proliferation?
In spite of the considerable strains on the nuclear order, there may be reason for optimism about nonproliferation.
Is Nuclear Deterrence Against Nonnuclear Threats Necessary and Proportionate?
All nuclear-armed states, apart from China, explicitly reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in response to various nonnuclear threats, yet they are often vague about which ones.
Nuclear Endgames on the Korean Peninsula
The remarkable diplomacy around the Korean Peninsula in 2018 has created the possibility for transformation of the security order in East Asia.
The Future of U.S.-Russia Arms Control
Bilateral arms control is in crisis. The existing architecture is crumbling even as technological advances are complicating efforts to develop new approaches to cooperative risk mitigation.
Keynote with Representative Adam Smith
A keynote with Chairman, U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee Adam Smith.
What Effects Will the Ban Treaty Have Between Now and 2030?
The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is now open for signature, but what real-world effects will it have on nuclear disarmament and international security more generally between now and 2030?
Proliferation Prognostication: Predicting the Nuclear Future
This regular session pits expert judgment against the wisdom of crowds to forecast the global nuclear future—a notoriously difficult but necessary part of policymaking.
Powering the NPT: Does a Decline in Nuclear Power Affect the Grand Bargain?
How important is nuclear technology today for economic development and for implementing climate commitments?
Can a Rules-Based Nuclear Order be Enforced?
The past twenty years have seen repeated violations of nonproliferation, arms control, and disarmament agreements.
Could a Nuclear War Remain Limited?
Almost all—if not all—nuclear-armed states have developed plans and capabilities for a range of nuclear response options.
U.S.-Russian Strategic Relations: The Big Picture
At this post–Cold War low in bilateral relations, the traditional guardrails that help stabilize the U.S.-Russian relationship are weakening, and nuclear risks are growing.
Delpech Award
The award is offered, every other year, to an individual who has rendered exceptional service to the nongovernmental nuclear policy community.
Side Sessions
20 Years after Kargil: The Future of Strategic (In)Stability in Southern Asia
- Hannah HaegelandStimson Center
- Sameer LalwaniStimson Center
- Frank O'DonnellU.S. Naval War College
- Negeen PegahiU.S. Naval War College
- Diana WuegerUniversity of Chicago
More Eyes on More Data: Public Technical Means for Monitoring Nuclear Nonproliferation Agreements
- Chris BidwellFederation of American Scientists
- Catherine DillJames Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
- John Lauderformer Director of the Intelligence Community's Nonproliferation Center
- Valerie LincyWisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control
- Varun ViraC4ADS
When More Really is Better: Three (Role) Models in Search of Diversity
- Bonnie JenkinsWomen of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation
- Mareena Robinson SnowdenCarnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Renee SondermanDirector of the Office of WMD Terrorism at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
- Lovely UmayamStimson’s Managing Across Boundaries initiative
Nobody Saves the World Alone: The Importance of Talking about Nukes to the Public
- Tara DrozdenkoOutrider Foundation
- Adam FreelandThe Acid
- Laicie HeeleyInkstick Media
- Martin PfeifferUniversity of New Mexico
- Lovely UmayamBombshelltoe
Follow the Money: Using Financial Tools to Fight Proliferation Networks
- Jessica BartlettBarclays Hong Kong
- Emil DallRoyal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
- Elizabeth RosenbergCenter for a New American Security
- Justine WalkerDirector of Sanctions Policy, UK Finance
Women of Mass Destruction: Telling Our Story
- Alexandra BellCenter for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
- Kelsey DavenportArms Control Association
- Laicie HeeleyInkstick Media
- Heather WilliamsKing’s College London
- Usha SahayWar on the Rocks
Young Professionals
We are excited to announce the return of our Young Professionals Track. At no additional cost, participants with less than five years of professional experience, including graduate students, were invited to attend:
- A half-day workshop on March 10, featuring a lecture on open-source intelligence, a careers panel, policy roundtables, and a networking reception
- A mentoring lunch at the conference
- A writing workshop on March 13
To receive updates about events for young professionals, click here
