Dealing with a Nuclear North Korea

Despite international condemnation and sanctions, North Korea continues to push ahead with its plans to possess nuclear weapons and develop its delivery technology. Will the vicious cycle of mistrust and condemnation ever come to an end? What measures can be taken to deal with this regional and international threat? What options remain for dealing with a nuclear North Korea and which measures should be taken at this critical juncture?

Nuclear Security Summit: Before & After Seoul

The 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit discussed international cooperative measures to protect nuclear materials and facilities from terrorist groups. Fifty eight head of states and international organizations participated, making it the largest summit ever held in the security field. The sherpas from the three states, which have hosted or will host the Summit, will convene at this session and discuss the success of the two summits, the future prospects for the 2014 Hague Nuclear Security Summit, and whether the summit process can be sustained beyond 2014.

Energy Security or National Security

Every state aims to secure its survival by strengthening its national security through military and non-military power. Particularly, there has been a strong emphasis on energy security in recent years. The modern world requires states to have uninterrupted energy supplies to maintain robust economic growth and further their national interests. Therefore, every state needs to obtain cheap energy sources and until recently nuclear energy has been seen as one of the most viable options for meeting the energy needs of various states. Nuclear issues and the development of nuclear programs can also relate directly to national security. Concerns about nuclear proliferation, diversion of nuclear materials from peacefuluse programs towards military weapons programs, and nuclear terrorism abound. In this sense, the plenary session will explore the nuclear future in terms of energy security and national security. Specifically, this plenary session attempts to answer these following questions: What is the relationship between national security and energy security? How do energy security demandsaffect national security? What role should nuclear energy programs have in energy security as well as national security? Are the goals for energy security and national security, as they relate to nuclear issues, compatible in the future?

Challenges and Opportunities after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

The recent Fukushima nuclear disaster has forced many nations to reshape their nuclear agendas and policies. Many countries have delayed their plans to implement civilian nuclear power programs, due to the fear of the devastating consequences of a potential nuclear disaster. However, there are many lessons to be learned from the Fukushima accident in terms of technical problems, leadership in government, and policy implications. It is believed that the experience will help develop and strengthen safety measures that will make nuclear power more viable and safe. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that it will take a long period of time to restore public confidence, even with enhanced safety features. This panel will cover the major impacts of the Fukushima nuclear disaster and will also evaluate the challenges and opportunities that have arose after the accident.