NPT Simulation
This course is devoted primarily to a simulation of the postponed 2020 NPT Review Conference, which has been rescheduled for the first half of 2021. The conference will involve multilateral negotiations on the implementation of the NPT, with special reference to issues of nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Based on the outcome of the 2015 Review Conference, the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the results of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 NPT Preparatory Committee meetings, one would expect major debates at the Review Conference on the subjects of nuclear disarmament (including the US initiative on Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament, the “Ban Treaty.” and the impact of the unravelling of arms control accords such as the INF Treaty on the NPT), nuclear risk reduction (and the deterioration of US-Russian relations), creation of additional nuclear-weapon-free zones (especially in the Middle East), DPRK nuclear developments, the demise of the JCPOA, other regional nuclear threats, negative security assurances, nonproliferation compliance, international safeguards, nuclear terrorism, peaceful nuclear uses, and provisions for withdrawal from the Treaty. The course will rely as much as possible on in-person deliberations, but plans have been made to conduct the negotiations in a realistic virtual environment if necessary. (Open to Juniors and Seniors only) The dates of this course are AUGUST 24 through DECEMBER 11. Registering for this course signals your interest in taking the course. You will be notified via email on August 21 whether you can officially enroll in the course.