Experts Divided Over Path Toward Effective Nuclear Disarmament by Takashi Ogawa and Emika Terashima
December 10, 2023
Introduction:
(Asahi Shimbun) NAGASAKI--A group of experts discussing ways to rid the world of nuclear weapons ended two days of talks here without reaching specific agreement in part due to differences over the merits of deterrence and the importance of a nuclear ban treaty.
The International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons, established last year under the leadership of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, held its third meeting on Dec. 8-9.
It comprises experts from nuclear powers, such as the United States, Russia and China, and non-nuclear weapon states. The meeting was closed to the public, in principle.
At a news conference after the meeting, Takashi Shiraishi, who chairs the group, said members discussed “extremely difficult issues that must be overcome.”
He cited three major areas of contention: the deterioration of security and the global strategic environment; the impact of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies on nuclear disarmament; and nuclear ethics and norms.
