The danger from nuclear weapons is increasing, with nuclear threats, a buildup of nuclear capabilities, deterioration of the multi-decade arms control regime, continuing slow increase in the number of nuclear weapon states (now nine), and new destabilizing technologies such as cyber hacking.  Physicists, particularly through collective action, can uniquely influence nuclear weapons policy. While actively engaged prior to the end of the Cold War, physicists’ engagement subsequently declined.

It is now time for physicists to re-engage.  

The workshop focuses on three topics:

How to inform physicists about nuclear arms issues and engage them in advancing policy change: National organizing efforts, such as visits by experts to physics institutions for presentations and discussion, and local efforts, such as development of courses on nuclear weapons and their control.

New technical issues affecting nuclear weapons policy: Cyber and anti-satellite threats to nuclear weapon command and control systems, missile defense systems that provoke offensive buildups, climate impacts of nuclear war, and the effects of new sensors and artificial intelligence on strategic stability.

Physicists as advocates for policy changes: Past successes and failures, how physicists might organize today, potential policy goals, and potential collaboration between physicists across national boundaries.

Grants: A limited number of grants are available to support the attendance of selected participants, with priority given to participants from developing countries. There is no registration fee.