Weinstein Delivers Lecture on Nuclear Deterrence and Global Security
On January 30, 2023, Lt Gen Jack Weinstein, USAF (Ret), Professor of the Practice of International Security at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, delivered a lecture on nuclear deterrence at the Boston Committee on Foreign Affairs (BCFA).
In his talk, titled “The State of Nuclear Deterrence in the World,” Weinstein discussed the nuclear capabilities of major world powers such as Russia, China, and North Korea; the need to modernize the United State’s nuclear forces; the value of nuclear deterrence; as well as the nuclear component of the war in Ukraine. While the state of global security is constantly in question as of late, Weinstein said that he finds solace in the future his students at the Pardee School will shape. In discussing what he’s seen in his courses, he said, “With all the challenges facing the world and this nation, knowing that we have talented students focused on confronting these challenges, gives me hope that our future isn’t as dire as it may appear.”
Incidentally, one of Weinstein’s students – Diya Ashtakala (MAIA ’23) – attended at the event. When asked to comment, Ashtakala called the presentation “extremely insightful and relevant given the current global security environment. Professor Weinstein’s speech prompted excellent discussions on numerous topics, including nuclear force modernization, the ongoing war in Ukraine, nuclear terrorism, and future challenges.”
The BCFA is a member organization established in 1946 in cooperation with the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, and currently affiliated with the American Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. Its purpose is to provide a platform for senior foreign affairs officials and experts in the Boston area – including BU alumni – to engage in important conversations on international affairs. Learn more on BCFR’s website.
Jack Weinstein, Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret), served in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2018. Prior to arriving at the Pardee School of Global Studies, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon. In this position, he was responsible to the Secretary and Chief of Staff on all aspects of nuclear deterrence operations providing direction, guidance, integration, and advocacy regarding the nuclear deterrence mission of the U.S. Air Force and engaged with joint, interagency, and NATO to develop nuclear enterprise solutions. Read more about Weinstein on his faculty profile.