New START treaty, Iran nuclear proliferation inspire SUSO topic

• Tweet
• 

Speak Up, Speak Out aims to search for answers about the controversial topics of nuclear energy and war Wednesday in a forum titled “Nuclear Threats?”

The forum will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Auditorium. Political Science Professor Won Paik will be a panelist. He said nuclear war has been a threat since the end of World War II and is still one of the most critical security threats to the U.S.

“In 2011, we are very concerned about the proliferation of weapons,” he said. “The U.S. is gravely concerned about the wrong people having nuclear weapons.”

Paik said for students to become global citizens, they need to be aware of the clear and present threat of nuclear war.

“This is an important issue, if not the most important,” he said.

Andrew Blom, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, will facilitate the debate.

Blom said SUSO came up with the topic last year when the U.S. was in negotiations with Russia for the New START treaty to reduce nuclear arms. He said news reports that Iran has been suspected of nuclear proliferation also have made the issue relevant.

Paik said he will speak from a political science perspective. Paik is an expert on international politics, especially East Asian politics.

“I’m going to speak about the newest nuclear power — North Korea — and what kind of threat it presents to the region of East Asia and as a proliferator,” he said.

Other panelists at the forum will be Charles Novitski, associate professor of biology, Rochester Hills junior Jacquelyn Keenan and Haslett senior Joel Durr.

The panel will talk about nuclear power as an energy source as well as a weapon, Blom said.

“It will be fascinating to discuss in what ways nuclear power could be connected to a potential for nuclear terrorism,” he said.

Blom said he believes the forum will appeal not only to political science students, but also to people interested in the environmental effects of nuclear energy. He said nuclear power is a complicated issue that many people do not fully understand, and the forum is a good opportunity for students to talk to experts.

“I think bringing in different disciplines creates a broader perspective of what nuclear energy will be in the future,” he said.

Blom said students should attend the forum to develop a better understanding of issues that affect international relations.

“The kinds of questions we’re raising are enduring questions,” he said. “It’s important for each generation to assess these issues and come up with its own answers.”