Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to Open Window. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest is Herbert F. York, Director of the Program on Science, Technology, and Public Affairs, and Professor of Physics at UC San Diego. Dr. York was the Director of the Lawrence Livermore Lab; the Director of Defense Research and Engineering at the Pentagon; UC San Diego Chancellor; and, most recently, U.S. Ambassador to the Comprehensive Test Ban Negotiations in Geneva.

Joining us in the studio is Professor John Holdren of the Department of Energy and Resources. A MacArthur Fellow, Professor Holdren is Vice Chairman of the Federation of American Scientists.

1. Peace Movements and Public Opinion ... electoral cycles ... scientists and physicians... European anti-nuclear movement
2. "No First Use" Nuclear Weapons Policy ... outline of the idea ... public perceptions vs. actual policy ... origins of policy
3. The Dilemmas of Arms Control ... hostage to state of U.S. - Soviet relations ... international events ... the president's ability to shape public opinion ... limitations of the 4-year term ... theoretical arguments of superiority ... the "window of vulnerability" ... building up the arms budget... the differing assumptions of hawks
4. The Next Stage in Arms Control ... the freeze initiative ... what influences the Soviets ... Soviet fears of destabilization ... limited nuclear war ... the verification conundrum ... cost-effectiveness and glamour

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