Beth Harris: “The Arc of the Impossible: from resistance to dependence”

For our Nuclear Policy Network kickoff gathering, we invited Beth Harris as a guest speaker. She was the wife and partner of the late Dr. Thomas L. Neff, who originated and was a catalyst for the Megatons to Megawatts Deal. 


The 1993-2013 "HEU Deal" between the US and Russia converted 500 metric tons of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) from Russian nuclear warheads—equivalent to over 20,000 Hiroshima weapons—purchased by the US for use in civilian nuclear fuel, which produced some 10 percent of U.S. electricity over those two decades. 


Beth worked alongside Tom throughout the development and implementation of the deal and is currently editing a manuscript documenting his experiences and the evolution of the program. Her presentation will be followed by conversation and Q&A.
 

Watch the Presentation

Suggested Discussion Questions

The following questions can be used to facilitate individual reflection or classroom discussion:

  1. Why didn't the Intergovernmental agreement get signed during the Bush administration? 
  2. How is policy formed during periods of rapid change?
  3. What is the role of non-governmental discussions/dialogue in policy formation? 
  4. What lessons might the M2M experience offer for addressing contemporary nuclear risks and strengthening international cooperation?

 

Further Reading

 

For any questions, please contact [email protected]