The overarching question imparting urgency to this exploration is: Can U.S.-Russian contention in cyberspace cause the two nuclear superpowers to stumble into war? In considering this question we were constantly reminded of recent comments by a prominent U.S. arms control expert: At least as dangerous as the risk of an actual cyberattack, he observed, is cyber operations’ “blurring of the line between peace and war.” Or, as Nye wrote, “in the cyber realm, the difference between a weapon and a non-weapon may come down to a single line of code, or simply the intent of a computer program’s user.”
Despite the U.S. military surge and costly counter-insurgency efforts, the Taliban remain powerful in Afghanistan. With the withdrawal of NATO troops, and diminution of international leverage, there is an urgent need to establish a peace process. Dialogue might not resolve the conflict: there are numerous obstacles and concerns. But given that the Taliban are interested in talks — and that the likely alternative to a settlement is protracted conflict and insurgent gains — it would be a profound mistake not to explore the possibilities for negotiations.
Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.