9/25/2020
The United States and Russia are engaged in the first phases of a new nuclear arms
race. With the recent shredding of arms-control agreements, this race may proceed
unfettered and could lead to unprecedented dangers to humanity. As scientists we are
obliged to understand the dynamics of this race and its dangers, and to lead in averting
the rush to oblivion.
Rob Goldston is a professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University and
associated faculty with Princeton’s Program on Science and Global Security. His research
interests include neutron-based methods to verify warheads for disarmament, non-invasive
UF6 flow meters and neutron detectors to verify operation of gas-centrifuge enrichment
plants, and robotic techniques to monitor areas for undeclared nuclear materials and
activities. He serves on the Board of the Council for a Livable World and writes policy
pieces for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.