In this interview, Oliver Meier discusses his career and views on nuclear policy, sharing how his experience spans both peace research and security policy. He emphasizes the enduring power dynamics created by nuclear weapons, which he believes destabilize global politics by increasing divisions and complicating cooperation. Meier advocates for civil society to pressure for nuclear abolition while also pursuing practical risk-reduction steps, given the challenges of immediate disarmament. Looking ahead, he expresses hope for a future where international relations can be organized without nuclear deterrence, although he acknowledges this shift will require significant political, rather than technical, change.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Kohl calls Bush in order to thank him profoundly emphasizing Bush's key contributions in terms of Germany's unification.

Richard Holbrooke recounts a final meeting with with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl prior to leaving Germany. Kohl asked the Clinton Administration "to increase its involvement in the ongoing effort to chart the future of Europe," and called for the expansion of NATO and the EU.