Video
The Belfer Center has initiated a pilot program for a video-conference series that brings together senior Russian and American security analysts to discuss national security issues and U.S.-Russian relations.
The first video meeting, featuring cutting-edge technology given by Frank Stanton that allowed both sides to participate comfortably from their respective countries, took place on March 9. Participants were asked to address the question, "why do Americans and Russians have such different understandings on critical issues?"
Two themes helped to shape the lively discussion moderated by veteran television commentator David Gergen— these were: "does the U.S. pursue a unipolar or multi-polar world?" and "is ratification of START II mutually advantageous or only beneficial to the U.S.?"
Although the Russian Duma recently ratified the START II treaty and negotiations for further cuts are in progress, many Russians continue to be distrustful of U.S. motives and believe that the U.S. is pursuing a unipolar world.
The conference was broadcast on Russian national television and generated much interest in official circles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense both received copies of the video and reported that they thought it was a useful contribution to the discussions surrounding arms control issues. Russian television is committed to broadcasting future shows and the Belfer Center hopes to air the videos on American public television as well.
Participants from the Kennedy School included BCSIA Director Graham Allison, Kennedy School Lecturer John White, Kennedy School Professor Ashton Carter, Professor Emeritus Richard Pipes, and BCSIA Executive Director John Reppert.