Strategic Weapons in the 21st Century  

Theme: Implications of Change and Our Priorities

Strategic Weapons in the 21st Century (SW21) fourth annual meeting co-hosted by Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories provide a forum to discuss topics related to national security policy, defense programs, technical advances, international developments and the impact of these issues on US strategic weapons. This year, the SW21 meeting will occur on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Prominent and influential national leaders, policy makers, technologists, and experts from a wide variety of disciplines attend this annual forum. With the new administration and a number of key studies coming to fruition, this year’s goal is to examine and discuss the implications of change and priorities.

President Obama’s Prague Speech, the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), and Strategic Arms Treaty negotiations are among the key elements that will shape the future of our strategic weapons policy considerations. The Defense and Energy establishments play key roles in the transformation of doctrine, forces, operations, infrastructure, and expertise. With the goal of reducing the reliance on nuclear weapons and working toward ultimate elimination, there is significant discussion domestically and internationally on residual capabilities necessary, to assure and defend allies and to1 dissuade, deter, and defeat a spectrum of threats within a constrained budget environment.

The 2010 SW21 focus draws heavily on the implications of the NPR and the ultimate pathway toward goals stated in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. To begin, there will be a review of the element of the NPR focusing on strategy options, resource implications, and potential timelines. The inward focus will examine the current and projected status of force structure, sustainment, infrastructure, and Congressional, Department of Defense and Department of Energy (DOE) concerns and impacts. Key government speakers including leadership from Capitol Hill, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, US Strategic Command, and DOE will provide comments.

Because of the impacts of US actions influence are far reaching, the second part of the discussion will examine the outward focus. This session will include a diverse panel of international guests who will offer a perspective on the US role related to security weapons reductions. The discussion will include new threats to international security are emerging to include the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the rise of international terrorism.

The concluding panel will be comprised of influential current senior policy leaders, outside of government, but active working strategic issues at both the national and international levels. Chaired by a renowned and respected former senior government policy leader, this panel will address the priorities and integrate the considerations expressed throughout the day’s discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to share divergent views and provide insights and experiences.

SW21 will conclude with closing remarks by a prominent senior administration official and a short reception to enable participants to interact.