How effective are transnational networks in forging paths towards peace and international cooperation? Welcome to this keynote speech by Alicia Sanders-Zakre (ICAN), followed by a panel discussion on Europe’s role in preventing the use of nuclear weapons worldwide.
The event is organised by The Norwegian Nobel Institute, Center for International Affairs and World Cultures, Northeastern University and ARENA Centre for European Studies.
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is a globe-spanning transnational network of activists. It led the push to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, achieving a major breakthrough in international cooperation. The transnational network’s role in catalysing the prohibition of developing, testing, producing, and acquiring nuclear weapons led to ICAN’s selection for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.
Today, in a time of geopolitical upheaval, we are witnessing some erosion of the nuclear taboo, with certain countries pushing back on hard-won nuclear non-proliferation norms. In Europe, the war on Ukraine and changing US policies under president Donald Trump have led to discussions on increasing nuclear stockpiles to develop a more independent European nuclear umbrella. Will transnational networks, like ICAN, be able to continue to make progress in promoting peace in the international system despite these challenges?
The speech and panel discussion will be followed by a reception.
Please sign up to join the event via Nettskjema.
Welcome!
Programme
Welcome: Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director, The Norwegian Nobel Institute
Introduction of keynote: Professor Mai'a K. Davis Cross, Northeastern University
Keynote: Alicia Sanders-Zakre, ICAN
Panel discussion:
- Alicia Sanders-Zakre, ICAN
- Professor Daniel Serwer, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
- Professor Denise Garcia, Northeastern University
- Moderator: Research Professor Marianne Riddervold, ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo
Reception with refreshments and light food (ends at 18.30).
About the keynote
Alicia Sanders-Zakre is the Policy and Research Coordinator at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). She directs the campaign's research and policy development, including on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. Previously, she was a researcher at the Arms Control Association and at the Brookings Institution. She has published over one hundred articles, editorials and reports on nuclear weapons. She has also provided expert analysis for several newspapers, radio and TV programs, and regularly speaks on expert panels at universities and other international conferences. Alicia holds a B.A. in International Security from Tufts University, a M.A.S in the International Law of Armed Conflict from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, as well as a certificate of completion in International Nuclear Safeguards Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Sign up
The seminar is free and open to all, but please sign up via Nettskjema to secure your spot.
The seminar is supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York project, “Transnational Networks and the Future of Global Order,” led by Professor Mai’a K. Davis Cross.
Related ARENA project: "Norway and the EU undergoing change"