Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament: Balancing Confidence & Feasibility – VCDNP Seminar

Dive deep into the complex world of irreversible nuclear disarmament with experts from the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). This seminar launches the VCDNP's new study, "Understanding the Balance of Confidence and Feasibility in Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament."
Join Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova (Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons, VCDNP) as she moderates a discussion with Noah Mayhew (Senior Research Associate, VCDNP) and Dr. Nikolai Sokov (Senior Fellow, VCDNP). They explore the historical context of irreversibility in nuclear disarmament, present key findings from their comprehensive study (which included consultations with NPT states parties and targeted surveys), and discuss the critical balance between the technical measures needed for disarmament and the political, legal, and normative factors that build confidence in its permanence.

Key topics covered:
The evolution of "irreversibility" in the NPT context.
Technical steps in the disarmament process and the challenges of verification.
The role of political commitments versus legally binding agreements.
Perspectives from nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states.
Obstacles to disarmament, including strategic stability concerns.
The potential role and mandate of the IAEA in disarmament verification.
The significant question of who bears the costs of disarmament.
Recommendations for moving forward and the importance of continued dialogue.
This discussion is essential for anyone interested in nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, international security, and the future of global peace.
The full study can be accessed here: https://vcdnp.org/confidence-feasibil...

Speakers:
Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova: Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons, VCDNP (Moderator)
Noah Mayhew: Senior Research Associate, VCDNP
Dr. Nikolai Sokov: Senior Fellow, VCDNP
Recorded at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), Vienna, Austria.

Chapters
00:00:00 - Seminar Start & Introduction to Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament
00:02:54 - VCDNP Study: Approach, Methodology & Key Questions (Noah Mayhew)
00:09:13 - Study Insights: General Observations & States' Views on Process vs. End State
00:13:35 - Key Survey Findings: Disarmament Activities, Legal Aspects & Obstacles
00:20:24 - Survey Findings: Verification Actors, Costs & Study Conclusions/Recommendations
00:30:08 - Discussant Dr. Nikolai Sokov: Arms Control vs. Disarmament Perspectives
00:34:11 - Dr. Sokov: Practicalities, Feasibility & Trade-offs in Achieving Irreversibility
00:38:50 - Dr. Sokov: Verification, Lessons from Past Treaties & Shaping Future Security
00:43:22 - Q&A Begins: Why Discuss Irreversibility Now? Cost Sharing & Non-NPT States
00:50:35 - Expert Responses: Urgency of Discussion, Costs, and Broader Engagement
00:57:11 - Q&A Continues: Benefits of Reversibility in Arms Control? Role of CTBTO
01:00:00 - Expert Responses: Reversibility Dynamics & CTBTO's Contribution
01:06:14 - Q&A from Online Audience: Verification Bodies & IAEA's Role
01:07:35 - Expert Responses to Online Questions on Verification
01:10:03 - Final Thoughts from Speakers & Closing Remarks