Principal, The Scowcroft Group
Former Director for Defense Policy and Arms Control on the National Security Council
U.S. Nuclear Weapons Policy
DATE: April 13, 2021 6:00 pm
During WWII, the U.S. developed and used two nuclear weapons. Since that time the U.S. and nine other nations have created nuclear arsenals. As the destructive power and numbers of nuclear weapons have grown worldwide, many have called for worldwide denuclearization. Should the U.S. give up its nuclear weapons arsenal in an effort to lead the world to denuclearization as some have called for? Or, should it assume, that other nations will never give up their nuclear weapons, and therefore the U.S. should continue to maintain and modernize its own? Further, what is the cost of that maintenance and modernization?
Please join the BCFA for a discussion of U.S. nuclear weapons policy. Mr. Franklin C. Miller will describe why the U.S. should continue to possess nuclear weapons, what upgrades are needed to the U.S. nuclear weapons arsenal, and the relative cost of such actions.
Be the First to Hear about Upcoming Speakers
The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs is purely a local organization in programming, governance and support.
© BCFA All Rights Reserved.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.