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Arms Control Today 2008 Presidential Q&A: President-elect

rms Control Today (ACT) posed a series of detailed Aquestions on and nonproliferation issues to the major presidential nominees. Published here are the responses ACT received on September 10 from Sen. Barack Obama about how he would address key weapons-related security issues as president of the .1

ACT: Dozens of senior U.S. statesmen, led inger, , and Sam Nunn, as START I before it expires in December by former Secretary of State well as the specific steps they propose to 2009. I will work with in a mutual and former Senator Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), are move us in that direction.2 I have made and verifiable manner to increase warning urging the United States to lead the world it clear that America will not disarm and decision time prior to the launch of toward through such unilaterally. Indeed, as long as states re- nuclear weapons. steps as ratifying the Comprehensive Test tain nuclear weapons, the United States I will initiate a high-level dialogue Ban Treaty (CTBT), rendering nuclear forces will maintain a nuclear deterrent that is among all the declared nuclear-weapon less ready to launch on short notice, and strong, safe, secure, and reliable. But I will states on how to make their nuclear capa- eliminating tactical nuclear weapons, includ- not authorize the development of new nu- bilities more transparent, create greater ing U.S. bombs stationed in Europe. Do you clear weapons. And I will make the goal of confidence, and move toward meaningful support the goal of nuclear disarmament, eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide a reductions and the eventual elimination and what actions should be given priority central element of U.S. nuclear policy. of all nuclear weapons. As president, I will to make progress toward that objective or to To make progress toward this goal, reach out to the Senate to secure the ratifi- reduce global nuclear dangers? I will seek real, verifiable reductions cation of the CTBT at the earliest practical Images Sullivan/Getty Justin by Photo in all U.S. and Russian nuclear weap- date and will then launch a diplomatic Obama: As president, I will set a new ons—whether deployed or nondeployed, effort to bring onboard other states whose direction in nuclear weapons policy and whether strategic or nonstrategic—and ratifications are required for the treaty show the world that America believes work with other nuclear powers to reduce to enter into force. Finally, I will lead a in its existing commitment under the global stockpiles dramatically by the end global effort to negotiate a verifiable treaty nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to work to of my presidency. As a first step, I will seek ending the production of fissile materials ultimately eliminate all nuclear weapons. Russia’s agreement to extend essential for weapons purposes and will work with I fully support reaffirming this goal, as monitoring and verification provisions other interested governments to establish called for by George Shultz, Henry Kiss- of the [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] a new nuclear energy architecture. Special Section Special ACT: What role, if any, should nuclear Obama: Conventional thinking be bioterrorists before they strike, assist weapons have in U.S. security policy? Can has failed to keep up with new nuclear, states to meet their obligations under existing U.S. warheads and the current nu- chemical, and biological threats. Today we UN Security Council Resolution 15403 clear weapons complex support those roles, or confront the possibility of terrorists bent and the Biological Weapons Convention, do you believe new warheads and capabilities on our destruction possessing a nuclear strengthen cooperation with foreign in- are needed? weapon or bomb-making materials. We telligence and law enforcement agencies, need a president who understands these build capacity to mitigate the consequenc- Obama: The most important objec- new security threats and who has effec- es of bioterror attacks, improve local and tive with respect to nuclear weapons is tive strategies for addressing them. Since state emergency responses to cope with doing everything we can to prevent the early on in my time in the Senate, I have catastrophic emergencies, and accelerate use of any such weapons, anywhere in the worked with Senator Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) the development of new medicines, vac- world. So long as nuclear weapons exist, and others across the aisle to expand ef- cines, and production capabilities. the United States needs to retain nuclear forts to stop smuggling of nuclear material weapons to prevent this from happen- and keep nuclear and conventional weap- ACT: Countries are expressing greater in- ing. But we need to do more. I will restore ons out of terrorists’ hands. terest in nuclear power at a time when there is America’s leadership in reducing the role As president, I will lead a global effort mounting concern that the spread of nuclear of nuclear weapons and working toward to secure all nuclear weapons materials technologies and expertise for energy purposes their ultimate elimination. A world free of at vulnerable sites within four years—a could contribute to secret weapons options nuclear weapons is a world in which the critical way to prevent terrorists from or programs. What can be done to prevent possibility of their use no longer exists. acquiring a nuclear bomb. I will work countries from acquiring and misusing latent As long as nuclear weapons exist, I will with Russia in this effort and with other nuclear weapons production capabilities, par- retain a strong, safe, secure, and reliable countries to develop and implement a ticularly uranium-enrichment and spent fuel nuclear deterrent to protect us and our comprehensive set of standards to protect reprocessing technologies and know-how? allies. But I will not authorize the develop- nuclear materials from theft. I will also ment of new nuclear weapons and related phase out highly enriched uranium from Obama: Our nuclear security and capabilities. And I will make the goal of the civil sector; strengthen policing and that of our allies requires that the expan- eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide a interdiction efforts; build state capacity sion of nuclear reactors for electricity central element of U.S. nuclear policy. to prevent theft, diversion, or spread of generation is not accompanied by the ex- nuclear materials; and convene a summit pansion of sensitive nuclear fuel-cycle fa- ACT: Many Americans fear that terror- on preventing . cilities that can produce bomb-grade plu- ists might acquire biological, chemical, or Biological weapons similarly pose a tonium and uranium. As president, I will nuclear weapons and use them against the serious and increasing national security make it a top priority to prevent nuclear United States, its troops, or allies. What risk. To prevent bioterror attacks, I will fuel from becoming nuclear bombs. I will more should be done to prevent that tragic strengthen U.S. intelligence collection work with other interested governments possibility from occurring? overseas to identify and interdict would- to establish a new international nuclear Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images Dunand/AFP/Getty Emmanuel

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) delivers a speech Sept. 22 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. energy architecture—including an inter- national , international nuclear fuel-cycle centers, and reliable fuel supply assurances—to meet growing demands for nuclear power without con- tributing to the proliferation of nuclear materials and fuel-production facilities. An international system that ensures ac- cess to reasonably priced fuel will encour- age developing countries that they do not need sensitive nuclear fuel-cycle facilities to grow their economies, while ratcheting up pressure on any states seeking to dis- guise their nuclear weapons ambitions.

ACT: START is set to expire December 5, 2009, and the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (also known as the Treaty) limits end December 31, 2012. Should the United States and Russia continue the process of negotiating nuclear cuts through verifiable bilateral agreements or manage their nuclear relationship in other ways? How should the two countries minimize strategic distrust and overcome decades of strategic competition? Alexander Khudotioply/Reuters Alexander Obama: The United States and Rus- sia should seek real, verifiable reductions in all U.S. and Russian nuclear weap- ons—whether deployed or nondeployed, whether strategic or nonstrategic. I am committed to working with Russia and other nuclear-weapon states to make deep cuts in global stockpiles by the end of my first term. This process should begin by Senators (R-Ind.) and Barack Obama inspect a decommissioned securing Russia’s agreement to extend es- weapons warehouse Aug. 30, 2005 in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. sential monitoring and verification provi- sions of START I prior to its expiration in that effort should be devoted to developing explore other arms control measures to December 2009. As president, I will also anti-missile systems, including the possible reduce the threat. immediately stand down all nuclear forces deployment of U.S. missile interceptors in But in our haste to deploy missile de- to be reduced under the Moscow Treaty4 Europe or space? fenses, we cannot lose sight of the real and urge Russia to do the same. 21st-century threats. The biggest nuclear Keeping nuclear weapons ready to Obama: Nuclear, biological, and security risk is not from a rogue state launch on a moment’s notice is a danger- chemical weapons pose serious national lashing out with ballistic missiles, but a ous relic of the . Such policies security risks, especially when delivered terrorist smuggling a crude nuclear device increase the risk of catastrophic accidents on ballistic missiles that can strike our across our borders. We spend more than or miscalculation. I believe that we must homeland, our troops abroad, or our al- $10 billion a year on missile defense, but address this dangerous situation—some- lies. Missile defenses can be a significant far too little on securing nuclear materials thing that President Bush promised to do part of a plan to reduce these dangers, but around the world and improving security when he campaigned for president back in they must be proven to work and pursued (including detection) at our ports and 2000, but did not do once in office. I will as part of an integrated approach that uses borders. We must focus our defenses on work with Russia to end such outdated the full range of nonproliferation policy the most likely threats. Cold War policies in a mutual and verifi- tools in response to the full range of able way. threats we face. As president, I will make ACT: As China increases its military sure any missile defense, including the spending and modernizes its nuclear forces, ACT: Ballistic missiles can be used to de- one proposed for Europe, has been proven what role, if any, should arms control play liver biological, chemical, and nuclear weap- to work and has our allies’ support before in preventing a regional arms competition or ons. What should be done to address threats we deploy it. I will also strengthen the crisis and improving relations between the posed by ballistic missiles, and how much of Missile Technology Control Regime and United States and China? Special Section Special Scott Olson/Getty Images Olson/Getty Scott

Sen. Barack Obama meets with nuclear weapons plant employees and their families Dec. 12, 2006 prior to testifying on their behalf before the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health in April 2007.

Obama: China appears to be devel- ACT: China and the United States recently tional security—as well as that of our stra- oping a credible retaliatory capability as have each destroyed one of their own satellites tegic competitors—requires that we work part of its evolving nuclear deterrent. As with missiles, raising concerns about space- in concert to prevent military conflict in president, I will ensure that the United based weapons and arms that target objects space, to address the practical problems States continues to maintain our own in space. What, if anything, should be done that the growth of satellite launches and military capabilities so that there can be to limit such developments? operations have created, and to help all no doubt about the strength and cred- nations reap the benefits that peaceful ibility of our security commitments in the Obama: While steps such as im- uses of space can provide. That is why I Asia-Pacific region. I support the continu- proving procurement to ensure timely, have endorsed an international code of ation of military-to-military exchanges cost-effective delivery of satellites and conduct to clarify the rules of the road to with China, including efforts by the Bush diversifying our remote-sensing capabili- manage traffic in space and prevent satel- administration to sustain a dialogue on ties are important, satellites will remain lites from being put at risk. In addition to strategic nuclear issues and resume labora- vulnerable as well as indispensable to unilateral steps needed to protect our in- tory-to-laboratory exchanges that were our national interests for the foreseeable terests in space, I will pursue negotiations terminated in the 1990s. future. We cannot ignore dangers and of an agreement that would ban testing I will urge China to increase transpar- should thoroughly assess possible threats anti-satellite weapons. ency of its nuclear weapons policies and to U.S. space assets. This will include programs — indeed, of its military and establishing contingency plans to ensure ACT: How would you build on U.S. efforts defense policies more generally. We are that U.S. forces can maintain or duplicate through the six-party process to denuclearize not enemies. I will engage the Chinese access to information from space assets and prevent it from proliferating leadership in discussions that convey how and accelerating programs to protect U.S. nuclear weapons-related technology and missiles? greater openness in military spending and satellites against attack. I will take what- nuclear force modernization is consistent ever military and diplomatic steps are Obama: As president, I will work with China’s and the United States’ na- needed to safely assure the survivability of from the very beginning of my term in tional interests and more likely to lead to our satellites and respond appropriately if office to reduce nuclear dangers in North- greater trust and understanding. another country targets them. But our na- east Asia. I will continue to pursue the kind of direct and aggressive diplomacy Obama: The Iranian nuclear threat outcome is possible if we pursue the kind with North Korea that can yield results, is growing. Last fall’s National Intel- of tough, sustained, and unconditional while not ceding our leverage in negotia- ligence Estimate (NIE) confirmed that diplomacy—backed by tough sanctions— tions unless it is clear that North Korea has engaged in nuclear weapons that I have long supported and that the is living up to its obligations. North design activities, and the International NIE concluded can prove effective in dis- Korea will be offered a stark choice: if it Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warns that suading Tehran from pursuing a nuclear verifiably eliminates its nuclear weapons it continues to enrich uranium using weapons capability.

I have made it clear that America will not disarm unilaterally. Indeed, as long as states retain nuclear weapons, the United States will maintain a nuclear deterrent that is strong, safe, secure, and reliable. But I will not authorize the development of new nuclear weapons. And I will make the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide a central element of U.S. nuclear policy. —Barack Obama

programs and does not engage in any pro- more sophisticated technology. Together ACT: It has been 10 years since India and liferation activities whatsoever, it will re- these activities could soon put Iran in the Pakistan each conducted a series of nuclear ceive meaningful economic, political, and position of building nuclear weapons. tests. Since that time, South Asia has witnessed security benefits. If North Korea refuses, That must not happen. And I will do ev- a buildup of nuclear weapons and delivery it will face a bleak future of political and erything I can as president to prevent it systems, armed conflict and risks of nuclear economic isolation. The objective must be from happening. escalation, and a nuclear technology smuggling clear: the complete and verifiable elimina- My goals are clear: Iran must come network that aided the nuclear weapons pro- tion of North Korea’s nuclear weapons clean on its past and present nuclear grams of other countries. How will you work to programs, which only expanded while we activities, and it must suspend its ura- reduce the risks posed by India’s and Pakistan’s refused to talk. nium-enrichment activities. To get there, nuclear arsenals and programs? Pyongyang’s recent nuclear declaration I will prepare for and engage in direct was a step forward, but there will be many talks with Tehran to test its intentions. Obama: The Bush administration’s more steps to take in the days ahead. I will I strongly support tougher action by the policies toward both India and Pakistan aggressively follow up to ensure a com- UN Security Council, as well as steps by have allowed grave nuclear risks to grow plete, accurate, and verifiable accounting our friends and partners in Europe and in South Asia since the 1998 nuclear tests. of North Korea’s past plutonium produc- Asia to impose additional economic costs I will work to reduce the region’s nuclear tion; confirm its prior uranium-enrich- on Tehran beyond those that can be dangers in a number of ways. ment activities; and get answers to dis- agreed to at the United Nations. A united First, I will expand the Proliferation turbing questions about its proliferation diplomatic front with the P5+15 directly Security Initiative (PSI) from its current activities with other countries, including calling on the Iranians to end any nucle- focus on stopping illicit nuclear ship- Syria. As my administration moves for- ar weapons activities will, in turn, maxi- ments to eradicating nuclear black market ward, I will also work with our friends and mize international pressure and remind networks, like the remnants of the Abdul allies in the region to assure that the six- Iran’s people that it is their government Qadeer Khan organization. Second, the party process addresses all issues on the that is choosing to isolate them from the best way to reduce nuclear risks in South agenda, including that of abductees. world. It will also send Iran a clear mes- Asia is to reduce incentives to test and sage: live up to your obligations now; by deploy new nuclear weapons. My two ACT: The current administration has stat- waiting, you will only face greater isola- amendments in the Hyde Act6 sought to ed that it is committed to a diplomatic solu- tion. A credibly military option must also accomplish these goals. Just as I will work tion to the Iranian nuclear issue. Although the be kept on the table. with the U.S. Senate to secure ratification United States has worked to impose a variety We still have time to address the Ira- of the CTBT at the earliest practical date, of sanctions on Iran and has offered to negoti- nian nuclear issue diplomatically, but I will prioritize diplomatic efforts with ate an incentives package along with the other we need to use that time wisely. While India and Pakistan to encourage them permanent members of the Security Council we have stood on the sidelines until re- to move beyond their moratorium on and if Tehran suspends enrichment, cently, Iran has defiantly expanded its nuclear testing toward the ratification of Iran continues to expand its nuclear capabili- nuclear program. I call on Iran not to the treaty. Third, I will continue my work ties. What steps would you take to address wait for a new administration to reach begun in the Senate to secure all danger- Iran’s nuclear program? agreement on the nuclear issue. Such an ous weapons and materials against terror- Special Section Special including rocket launchers sought by ter- rorists and other extremists. I will regain our leadership on these issues by joining our allies in negotiations and honoring U.S. commitments to seek alternatives to landmines, while also ensuring that our Mark Wilson/Getty Images; Images; Wilson/Getty Mark service members have the tools that they need to do the dangerous missions that we ask them to perform.

ADDITIONAL EXPLANATIONS

Additional clarification is provided below by Background image p g. 37, Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Im Arms Control Today. These comments were not provided by the candidate and should not be considered part of his official statement.

1. While the McCain campaign expressed its willingness to provide answers to the same questions, the Republican presidential nominee’s staff ultimately did not provide Arms Control Today with answers to the survey questions. 2. George P. Shultz, William J. Perry, Henry A. Kissinger, and Sam Nunn, “A World Free of Nuclear Weapons,” , January 4, 2007, p. A15; George P. Shultz,

ages William J. Perry, Henry A. Kissinger, and Sam Nunn, “Toward a Nuclear-Free World,” The Wall Senators (D-Vt.) and Barack Obama chat during a May 2, 2006 media Street Journal, January 15, 2008, p. A13. conference on Capitol Hill. Obama co-sponsored legislation introduced by Leahy and 3. The UN Security Council in April 2004 Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) prohibiting the future procurement of victim-activated landmines. unanimously adopted Resolution 1540, which requires all countries to implement a variety of domestic measures to prevent nonstate actors ist threats worldwide, including in South conventional weapons like shoulder-fired from acquiring unconventional weapons, their Asia. Fourth, I will encourage India and anti-aircraft missiles, anti-personnel land- means of deliveries, and related materials.The Pakistan to collaborate with IAEA experts mines, and other small arms; co-spon- UN Security Council committee charged with to maximize security at nuclear power sored legislation introduced by Senators monitoring, facilitating, and promoting national plants and related facilities. Fifth, and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Arlen Specter efforts to comply with the resolution had its finally, I will continue support of ongoing (R-Pa.) prohibiting future procurement mandate extended for two years by Resolution Indian and Pakistani efforts to resolve the of victim-activated landmines; and voted 1673 in 2006 and for three years by Resolution Kashmir problem in order to address the for an amendment offered by Senators 1810 in 2008. political roots of the arms race between (D-Calif.) and Leahy 4. Formally the Strategic Offensive Reductions India and Pakistan. prohibiting the use or transfer of cluster Treaty (SORT), the May 2002 Moscow Treaty munitions absent rules of engagement en- commits the United States and Russia to reduce their operationally deployed strategic nuclear ACT: There are several international suring they would not be employed near forces to a level of 1,700 to 2,200 nuclear initiatives under consideration or in place concentrations of civilians. warheads apiece by December 31, 2012. The to reduce the threats posed by conventional As president, I will help lead the way treaty’s warhead limit expires at the end of that weapons that take the lives of noncomba- on these issues. Our military has le- same day. tants, including a limit or ban on cluster gitimate concerns on these issues, and I 5. The P5+1 refers to the five permanent munitions use, a global arms trade treaty to look forward to consulting closely with members of the UN Security Council (China, better regulate weapons transfers, and the Ot- leadership at the Department of Defense France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the tawa Convention against anti-personnel land- as we shape policies on these key issues. United States) and Germany. They have engaged mines. What steps, if any, should be taken to At the same time, I recognize that our Iran in negotiations on its nuclear programs.

limit conventional arms dangers? forces have been moving away from us- 6. Signed by President George W. Bush into law ing cluster munitions and anti-personnel December 18, 2006, the Henry J. Hyde United Obama: In general, I strongly sup- landmines ourselves, and these trends States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation port international initiatives to limit can be accelerated with targeted invest- Act of 2006 sets the conditions for the United harm to civilians caused by conventional ments in innovative technologies. We also States to resume civil nuclear commerce with weapons. In the Senate, I worked with have a strong national security interest in India for the first time since such trade was cut Senator Lugar to pass legislation securing preventing the illegal trade in small arms, off roughly three decades ago. Now is our moment. The presidential race has finally concluded and the tough work begins. President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to “set a new direction in nuclear weapons policy and show the world that America believes in its existing commitment … to work to ultimately eliminate all nuclear weapons.” Yet, it will be up to the Arms Control Association—with the help and support of people like you—to ensure these campaign pledges lead to meaningful action on Capitol Hill and in the international arena. There is no time to lose.

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