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Newsletter:  Dec 2001/ Issue 1
Message from the Director

I am pleased to introduce the first issue of PNNL Global Security, a publication to represent the full spectrum of global security work performed by PNNL. A comprehensive view of PNNL’s work in the arena of global security is reflected in the mission of the Pacific Northwest Center for Global Security (PNWCGS), established in October 1998 with support from the Department of Energy as a major outreach activity.

The mission of the Center is to:

Coordinate the arms control, proliferation prevention, emergency response, and regional security activities of PNNL, serving as point of contact to the DOE/NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and providing a window to the Laboratory’s scientific and technical resources; Partner with organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, particularly universities and nongovernmental organizations, on nonproliferation and global security activities;

Position the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to respond to the changing conditions of the post-cold war environment by emphasizing the broader issues of global security and addressing both traditional and nontraditional aspects of proliferation prevention and regional stability; and

Inform the Laboratory about the current state of global security and nonproliferation, introducing scholars and policy makers to Laboratory and NNSA programs and staff through seminars, workshops and conferences.

Because of the core capabilities of PNNL and its relationship to the U.S. government and Battelle Memorial Institute, the Laboratory is well suited to engage with counterparts around the world to strengthen security through non-military means. This is a fundamental premise for PNNL’s involvement in global security activities.

The Laboratory and the PNWCGS pursue nontraditional, as well as traditional security activities, all of which promote a more stable world. This range of activities can be divided into four categories:

1) reduction of the production capabilities and stockpiles of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Former Soviet Union and around the world;

2) promotion of regional stability through tension reduction—entailing nontraditional activities such as promoting environmental and energy security;

3) prevention of the transfer of WMD technology and expertise from the Former Soviet Union to other countries; and

4) safe storage and disposition of nuclear and other WMDs. Each represents a crucial pathway to reducing proliferation and augmenting regional stability, thereby enhancing global security.

You will notice, throughout this publication, various articles about projects and partnerships that highlight these four components of global security and related efforts.

Partnerships are a crucial component of PNNL’s efforts to address the full spectrum of security issues. This first issue of PNNL Global Security includes an article on PNNL’s partnership with the University of Washington (UW) to form the Institute for Global and Regional Security Studies, intended to broaden the selection of security-related courses offered at the UW, and provide outreach on global and regional security issues.

Debt for nonproliferation, a new concept being studied by PNNL, examines the possibility of using London Club and Paris Club debt swaps to help finance activities that reduce the proliferation threat. You will also read about the International Development Center Project, which is part of the NNSA Nuclear Cities Initiative program to help create alternative employment for Russian nuclear weapons scientists in the country’s closed nuclear cities.

In order to promote information sharing, the PNWCGS has sponsored a seminar series that has featured a number of scholars and policy makers. John M. Shalikashvili, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented his views on the importance of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to nonproliferation efforts. Dr. Robert Gallucci, former Department of State Ambassador at Large, spoke about the reemergence of the nuclear energy debate. Dr. Richard Ellings, President and co-founder of the National Bureau of Asian Research, gave a speech which included insights into the security dynamics of Asia. In addition, this autumn PNWCGS sponsored a four-part lecture series, Islam, Afghanistan and the Issue of Terrorism, to help laboratory staff understand the circumstances contributing to the rise of Al Qaeda and the events of September 11th.

I hope you enjoy this first edition of PNNL Global Security. Please feel free to contact the publication staff or me with your ideas and thoughts for future program activities.

Jim Fuller
PNWCGS Director

Jim Fuller is the founding Director of the Pacific Northwest Center for Global Security at PNNL, and Sector Leader for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. As director, Jim leads PNNL efforts to involve state government, foundations and other non-governmental organizations in U.S. Department of Energy and other U.S. government efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and to promote world peace.