Containing Russia's Nuclear Firebirds

Harmony and Change at the International Science and Technology Center

Glenn Schweitzer, Gary Bertsch, Howard Wiarda

• Publisher: University of Georgia Press
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9780820344713
• Topic: Historia
• Subtopic: Historia del siglo XXI

In Containing Russia's Nuclear Firebirds, Glenn E. Schweitzer explores the life and legacy of the International Science and Technology Center in Moscow. He makes the case that the center's unique programs can serve as models for promoting responsible science in many countries of the world.

Never before have scientists encountered technology with the potential for such huge impacts on the global community, both positive and negative. For nearly two decades following the Soviet Union's breakup into independent states, the ISTC has provided opportunities for underemployed Russian weapon scientists to redirect their talents toward civilian research. The center has championed the role of science in determining the future of civilization and has influenced nonproliferation policies of Russia and other states in the region. Most important, the center has demonstrated that modest investments can encourage scientists of many backgrounds to shun greed and violence and to take leading roles in steering the planet toward prosperity and peace.

Schweitzer contends that the United States and other western and Asian countries failed to recognize the importance, over time, of modifying their donor-recipient approach to dealing with Russia. In April 2010 the Russian government announced that it would withdraw from the ISTC agreement. After expenditures exceeding one billion dollars, the ISTC's Moscow Science Center will soon close its doors, leaving a legacy that has benefited Russian society as well as partners from thirty-eight countries. Schweitzer argues that a broader and more sustained movement is now needed to help prevent irresponsible behavior by dissatisfied or misguided scientists and their patrons.

INDEX

Access to sensitive Russian facilities: role of ISTC in facilitating U.S. visits, 138

Russian concerns about reciprocity, 74

Accidents and catastrophes, role of scientists in preventing and responding to, 242

Aeronautics institutes, early emphasis of ISTC on, 185

Aerospace research, and coordination of international activities by ISTC, 196

Aerospace research facilities: decline in technical capabilities and productivity at, 192–93

need for transparency at, 185

Aerospace technologies, as early emphasis of ISTC projects, 190–92

Aircraft flight performance, 190–91

Akadem-Park Novosibirsk, 111

American technology brokers, presence of, in 1990s Russia, 132

Annan, Kofi, 156

Auditing of ISTC by international experts, 36

Baker, James, on Russian brain drain/gain, 102. See also Closed nuclear cities

Balkan engagement of ISTC, 62

Basic research, early ISTC emphasis on, 211

Bilateral cooperation: as alternative to ISTC, 25

coordination of, with ISTC, 141, 151

relevance of, to Skolkovo, 151. See also Skolkovo

Bilateral engagement: budgets for, 126

future importance of, 128

in Iraq, 231

nonproliferation objectives of, 128

synchronization of governmental approaches, 243–44

variety of types of, 128. See also Vector

Bilateral Presidential Commission: lack of interest in ISTC experience by, 150

shortage of new funds, 149

working groups of, 148–49

Bilateral programs: of ISTC founding members, 127

overlaps of, with ISTC projects, 140

Bioengagement strategies, characteristics of, 182–83

BioIndustry Initiative, State Department successes from, 145

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, concerns over violations of, 172

Biological engagement: interest of Russian agricultural centers in, 146

involvement of U.S. agencies in, 146

U.S. priority for, 144–45

Biological pathogens, skills for handling, 171

Biological pilot projects: criteria for evaluation of, 176–77

delays in implementation of, 177

success of, 176

Biological researchers, number, skills, and exodus of, 87

Biological weapons scientists, redirection of, 171–72

Biology facility upgrades, 180–81

Biopreparat, 172

Biosecurity: Canadian interests in, 173–74

documentation of, 183

funding levels for projects involving, 174

risks to, 170

types of physical upgrades in, 179

U.S. agencies interested in, 174

U.S. leadership in, 173

Biotech cooperation. See Vector

Biotechnology, and intellectual property rights, 182 (see also Intellectual property)

travel grants program, 28

Bioterrorism, 87, 206–8

“Brain circulation,” 94

Brain drain in Russia: economic losses due to, 94

emigration, 91–92

as key motivator for ISTC, 85

loss of young scientists, 90–92

negative impact of, on research institutes, 85

reasons for, 93

various types of, 91–92

Budget of ISTC: decline in U.S. contr...