PONI Breakfast with James Schlesinger

On January 15, 2009 PONI hosted a breakfast event with Dr. James Schlesinger, former Secretary of Defense (1973-1975) and America’s first Secretary of Energy (1977-1979). Dr. Schlesinger, who was serving as the vice-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States and as Chairman of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management, spoke on the work of these groups, the context in which they were operating, and the substantive issues that they were debating. During ensuing discussion, Dr. Schlesinger shared his thoughts on a wide range of nuclear weapons issues, including the role of nuclear weapons in international security and associated drivers of proliferation. The event was organized to provide young nuclear weapons specialists, in particular the research assistants supporting the Strategic Posture Commission, an opportunity to directly engage one of the most senior and influential statesemen involved in these studies. PONI extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Schlesinger for serving as our guest and sharing his insights with those in attendance.