Tensions are mounting in the Middle East, South Asia, and Korean peninsula that could lead to catastrophic global consequences. Oil prices could skyrocket, the global market could be in shambles, and the US may be pulled into yet another war. In a time of suspicion and uncertainty, all eyes are focused on the outcome.

Are sanctions and diplomacy enough? Is there any way to stabilize nuclear security or are we doomed to repeat the Cold War? Jan Lodal thinks that a new nuclear control regime will increase global stability and security because all nuclear material will be accounted for, regardless of whether it is weapons grade or for peaceful use. A regime such as Lodal suggests would contribute to nuclear security by:

• resolving some of the weaknesses of the nuclear arms control regime, such as universality and control of nuclear material; 
• preventing terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear material to make a dirty bomb; 
• providing information about the intentions of countries like Iran, thus making it easier to achieve a peaceful solution. 

Lodal will address key concerns in his talk, such as the likelihood of negotiating this type of nuclear control treaty, verification, and compliance in light of the Israel/Iran crisis and the Nuclear Security Summit to be held on March 26 and 27.

About the speaker:
Jan Lodal is a prominent figure in nuclear arms control civil society and has extensive experience in nuclear security issues. He served as the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under the Clinton administration, on Henry A. Kissinger's staff as the Deputy for Program Analysis under the Nixon and Ford administrations, and as director of the NATO and General Purpose Force Analysis Division in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Robert S. McNamara, under the Johnson administration. Mr. Lodal is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the International Institute of Strategic Studies. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Aspen Strategy Group and is the recipient of Rice University's Distinguished Alumnus Award for Public Service and Achievement in Business. He was twice awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Department's highest civilian honor.