Arms Control Wonk

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The T-Word & Iran Negotiations

Transparency is an elusive commodity in international nuclear affairs. Routinely cited as a universal virtue and not without a certain sanctimoniousness, this aspiration is sacrificed time and time again on the altar of political expediency. Transparency doesn’t factor into the IAEA’s…

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Danger Signs

The Republican Party in the United States has adopted positions on social issues and the environment that are at odds with those of the majority of the voting public. Their signature opposition to “Obamacare” is losing ground. Both parties gerrymander…

Episode32 min

The Rebalance and the Shangri La Brouhaha

Tension boiled over at the Shangri La Dialogue last week. Are the tensions a cause for concern in the arms control community? Is China ready for primetime? And how should the US react, should one its allies in the region…

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Promo

My mother never threw out a shoebox at the back of my closet floor with the complete set of Topps baseball cards for the 1958 season inside – a treasured collection that our son will inherit. Later in life, I…

Episode29 min

The Trillion Dollar Triad?

It’s budget time in the United States! And what’s on the agenda – nuclear weapons. Today, Aaron and Jeffrey discuss the plans to replace the Triad. Can the United States afford to replace all three legs of the Triad? Should…

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The Obama Doctrine

President Obama has delivered another thoughtful, balanced speech, this time at West Point. His commencement address lent structure to his foreign and national-security policy decisions. It was long overdue, and essential after an exasperated, revealing response last month in Manila…

Episode28 min

The Sensor Gap and Open Skies

Is there a sensor gap? Today, Jeffrey and Aaron discuss the Treaty on Open Skies, Russia’s new spy plane, the sensor gap, compliance concerns, and the “taxi” option. The conversation begins with a general discussion about the Russian spy plane,…

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Pakistan’s Choice

Pakistan has been failing for a long time. There have been periods of economic growth, backed up by foreign patrons – mostly the United States and increasingly China — but for the most part, Pakistan’s economy and internal security continue…

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Note from a Small Organization

Hey, look, the Government of Burma has officially responded to a pair of articles by Catherine Dill and I describing  a suspect defense facility near Pauk: Speaking on May 15, U Ye Htut said he strongly objected to report. “But…

Episode29 min

Burma’s Suspicious Defense Facility

What is Burma building in the jungle? In this week’s podcast, Jeffrey and Aaron discuss Jeffrey’s and Catherine Dill’s two recent pieces on Burma’s very large – and very suspicious – facility in Pauk. The conversation begins with a discussion…