A few interesting things coming up over the next few days, for those interested:
Tomorrow I'll be at the University of Maryland for an all-day conference on deterrence hosted by Shilbey Telhami and Thomas Schelling. The conference aims to reassess deterrence theory in light of the changing international situation, including a close look at the deterrence of non-state actors like al-Qaeda, the implications of Iranian nuclear weapons, Israeli deterrence, and broad theoretical questions about credibility, reputation, and signaling. They've assembled an exceptional group of deterrence specialists, IR theorists, and regional experts. I think I'm along for comic relief. I'm particularly excited about meeting Schelling, who for my money basically invented (if not perfected) game theory for International Relations. I don't think that it's open to the public, but assuming that it's okay with the conference organizers, I'll try to write up some of the discussions and conclusions.
On Monday, there's going to be an extremely interesting public event here at the Elliott School: "Lessons from the Search for Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction", featuring former Chief Weapons Inspector in Iraq Charles Duelfer and former CIA Acting Director John McLaughlin. Chris Kojm, former Deputy Executive Director of the 9/11 Commission and current Elliott School Professor of Practice, will chair. Room 602, Elliott School, 1957 E Street, Monday from 4:30-6:00 (RSVP to [email protected]).
After that I'm going to be on the road for most of the rest of the week, but will post when I can.
Were there any proceedings or transcripts of that GWU event? I really should have attended, but was scared off by the weather and I didn't lock down directions to the campus. Would be interested in any notes.
Posted by: J. | May 01, 2008 at 07:58 AM