Tim Sweijs recounts his path to becoming Research Director at The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS), where he focuses on nuclear deterrence, arms control, and security strategy. He highlights nuclear weapons' role in today’s unstable geopolitical environment, especially post-Ukraine conflict, advocating for robust deterrence protocols and discussing the complexities of nuclear multipolarity. Sweijs explains the function of HCSS in fostering evidence-based security policy and mentions its collaboration with international partners, emphasizing HCSS’s unique positioning within Dutch and broader European defense communities.

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

Susi Snyder describes her journey from studying computer science to activism, where she engaged in nuclear disarmament and indigenous rights, particularly concerning nuclear waste at sites like Nevada’s test site. Her work expanded through positions with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and later PAX, where she focused on humanitarian disarmament and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Snyder reflects on the Dutch disarmament scene, mentioning the Citizen’s Initiative and her success in engaging diverse civil society groups. She emphasizes the continued importance of public outreach to keep nuclear issues relevant and accessible in policy and public domains.

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

Sico van der Meer discusses his role at the Clingendael Institute, where he focused on nuclear policy at the behest of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reflects on the impact of nuclear weapons in global politics and the Netherlands' limited, specialized civil society dedicated to nuclear issues. Van der Meer addresses missed disarmament opportunities post-Cold War, due to lack of urgency and funding, and emphasizes the need for civil society’s role in public awareness and nuanced policy discussions, pointing to initiatives like the TPNW as examples of impactful activism.

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

In this interview, Peter Buijs recounts his journey into nuclear disarmament activism, influenced by his father’s views and his own medical background. He explains that his work with NVMP and IPPNW centers on raising awareness of nuclear weapons’ catastrophic risks, emphasizing prevention as the only viable option. Buijs highlights that civil society, particularly medical professionals, can exert considerable influence on policy by presenting the humanitarian and health risks of nuclear warfare. He shares successes within Dutch civil society, where NVMP’s activism has led to increased political discourse on disarmament and even influenced government policy positions.

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

In this interview, Bishop Gerard de Korte discusses the Catholic Church's stance on nuclear weapons, emphasizing moral opposition to their use and the Church’s complex stance on deterrence. He notes that while nuclear disarmament is important, it has taken a backseat to more pressing social justice and environmental issues, particularly in Dutch society. De Korte highlights that the Vatican and Church leaders condemn nuclear weapons, but Dutch Catholics often support NATO's deterrence strategy, reflecting a lack of unified consensus. He concludes that a nuclear-free world would still face significant security challenges due to conventional weapon threats and international tensions.

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

Michael Yaffe is a former US diplomat. He served as a member of the US delegation to ACRS. 

Co-founder of the Programme for Promoting Nuclear Non-Proliferation (PPNN) and advisor to the Conference President Dhanapala.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

The Dutch government contends that an agreement on general and complete disarmament must be proceeded under the existing balance of power

The Dutch government supports a general and complete disarmament agreement under international control, but such agreement should not disturb the balance of power.