The Arms Control Poseur

Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen joins William on the last episode of the second season of The Arms Control Poseur podcast, to talk about the First Session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) of the 2026 Review Conference (RevCon) of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Amb. Viinanen walks us through the challenges that were faced during the session (such as the circumstances in Ukraine, Russia, Iran and North Korea), and the lessons learned for the future of the NPT regime. Amb. Viinanen also provided recommendations for the Chair of the next session of the PrepCom. Jarmo Viinanen is the Ambassador for Arms Control at the Finnish Foreign Ministry. His main responsibilities are strategic issues, nuclear policy and nuclear non-proliferation, and conventional arms control in Europe. He was the Head of Delegation of the Tenth NPT Review Conference and the Facilitator of informal consultations on facilitating convergence of views on elements of a final document at the Tenth NPT Review Conference.‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 19 December 2023    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. 

On the ninth episode of season 2, William is joined by Laura J. Gross to discuss the completion of the destruction of the US chemical weapons stockpile. In order to understand the current commitments of the United States to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), Laura J. Gross joins William to discuss the completion of the destruction of the US chemical weapons stockpile, which was announced on the 7th of July 2023. This destruction was then verified by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In this episode, Ms Gross discusses the challenges that were faced in the destruction of this stockpile, and outlines the achievement itself in light of upholding global norms on arms control and verifiability. However, various challenges remain regarding the implementation of the Convention's provision, such as the conflict in Gaza, the potential possession of chemical weapons by the Syrian Arab Republic, and the war in Ukraine. Ms Gross explains how the US assists other countries in the destruction of their declared chemical weapons stockpiles. When looking towards the future of the CWC, Ms Gross also touches upon the renewed use of chemical weapons by Syria, Russia, and North Korea and what the US is undertaking to counter the return to such use.    Laura J. Gross is the director of the Office of Chemical and Biological Weapons Affairs, Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, at the United States Department of State, and she is the Executive Director of the US National Authority for the CWC. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 23 February 2024   The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programmeThe Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. 

William is joined by Anna Péczeli to discuss Russian perspectives on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Partial and Threshold Bans.  Following the Russian withdrawal of its ratification of the CTBT, Anna explores the history of Russian nuclear signalling, the Russian rhetoric on the CTBT and its future. They also examine the functioning of the CTBT, its history and achievements, and the consequences of the Russian withdrawal. This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of nuclear treaties and the evolving security architecture in Europe.  Dr Anna Péczeli is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She is also an affiliate at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) at Stanford University, and an affiliate at the Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies (ISDS) at the National University of Public Service in Budapest, Hungary.The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.       We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 13 November 2023      The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.  Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme. The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. 

In the seventh episode of season 2, host William Alberque is joined by Allison Pytlak, Cyber Program Lead at the Stimson Center, to explore the challenges and multifaceted nature of maintaining secure cyberspace.  William and Allison delve into the complexities of cyber threats ranging from state-sponsored activities to non-state actors, discussing the roles of arms control and non-proliferation in managing these threats. The discussion covers significant ground on how international laws, norms and treaties can be adapted to the evolving cyber landscape, highlighting key incidents and potential frameworks for better governance. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.     Date of Recording: 20 December 2023     The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    Links: Funder: nonproliferation.eu/. IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme. The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com. 

William Alberque is joined by Dr Simona Soare to explore the nuances of AI as a dual-use technology, its integration into military and civilian sectors, and the ethical, legal, and strategic challenges it represents.  This episode delves into specific concerns such as AI in autonomous weapons, facial recognition and societal monitoring, discussing the potential for both innovation and oversight. They discuss the global efforts to govern AI’s military applications, including international treaties and national policies, and the varying approaches by different global powers. Dr Soare sheds light on how AI could reshape future warfare and the balance of power, emphasizing the critical need for a responsible governance framework. Dr Simona R. Soare is a Professor of Strategy and Technology at Lancaster University. She specialises in defence innovation and emerging technologies, software-defined defence, digital transformation of defence, and future of war. ‘The Arms Control Poseur’ is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.    Date of Recording: 14 November 2023    The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin. 

In the fourth episode of season 2, host William Alberque is joined by Simon Cleobury, Head of Arms Control and Disarmament at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its connection to arms control. William Alberque and Simon Cleobury delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of arms control, examining the dual-edged sword AI represents in modern warfare and disarmament efforts. They explore the pressing concerns around autonomous weapon systems, the existing and proposed frameworks for regulation, and the challenges of ensuring human control in decision-making processes. This episode not only sheds light on the state of AI in military applications but also prompts a deeper reflection on the future of international security and the role of diplomacy in navigating these uncharted waters. The Arms Control Poseur is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.    We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.   Date of Recording: 19 October 2023   The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    

In the third episode of season 2, host William Alpert delves into the intricate relationship between gender perspectives, arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. Joined by Federica Dall’Arche, a senior research associate at the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, along with colleagues Louis Reitmann and Mara Zarka, the discussion illuminates the nuanced ways in which gender affects and is affected by weapons and warfare. The conversation explores the historical context of women's involvement in disarmament efforts, the gendered impacts of weapons from landmines to AI-driven systems, and the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches in arms control policies. Federica shares compelling evidence and personal insights on how societal norms and biological differences influence the susceptibility and treatment of different genders in the face of armed violence, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and educated negotiation approaches in treaty-making. The discussion is part of a three-part episode on women, peace and security. The Arms Control Poseur is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.      We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.  Date of Recording: 1 December 2023  The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    Links:  Funder: nonproliferation.eu/ IISS research programme: Strategy, Technology and Arms Control | IISS Research programme The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com 

In the second episode of season 2, podcast host William Alberque delves into the crucial role of women in the fields of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament.   William Alberque is joined by guests Mara Zarka, Louis Reitmann, and Federica Dall’Arche  from the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) to discuss the historical contributions of women to disarmament movements, the current landscape of gender representation in arms control and the systemic challenges that persist.  The panel explores the transformative journey from the early 20th century's women-led peace movements to the modern-day initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity in decision-making processes. The episode sheds light on the UN's efforts to include gender perspectives in disarmament dialogues, the significance of mentorship programs, and the importance of dismantling stereotypes to foster a more inclusive environment in this traditionally male-dominated field. This episode is not just a retrospective on the achievements of women in arms control but also a forward-looking conversation on actionable steps to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The discussion is part of a three-part episode on women, peace and security. The Arms Control Poseur is a podcast series produced by the IISS Strategy, Technology and Arms Control Programme on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.     We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to The Arms Control Poseur on the podcast platform of your choice.  Date of Recording: 18 December 2023  The Arms Control Poseur is recorded and produced at the IISS in Berlin.    The Institutions: The International Institute for Strategic Studies (iiss.org)https://vcdnp.org/  www.nonproliferation.eu/  The Music: https://elysiumon37th.bandcamp.com/