Containing Russia's Nuclear Firebirds: Harmony and Change at the International Science and Technology Center

by Glenn E. Schweitzer

Overview

In Containing Russia’s Nuclear Firebirds, Glenn E. Schweitzer explores the life and legacy of the International Science and Technology Center in Moscow. He makes the case that the center’s unique programs can serve as models for promoting responsible science in many countries of the world.

Never before have scientists encountered technology with the potential for such huge impacts on the global community, both positive and negative. For nearly two decades following the Soviet Union’s breakup into independent states, the ISTC has provided opportunities for underemployed Russian weapon scientists to redirect their talents toward civilian research. The center has championed the role of science in determining the future of civilization and has influenced nonproliferation policies of Russia and other states in the region. Most important, the center has demonstrated that modest investments can encourage scientists of many backgrounds to shun greed and violence and to take leading roles in steering the planet toward prosperity and peace.

Schweitzer contends that the United States and other western and Asian countries failed to recognize the importance, over time, of modifying their donor-recipient approach to dealing with Russia. In April 2010 the Russian government announced that it would withdraw from the ISTC agreement. After expenditures exceeding one billion dollars, the ISTC’s Moscow Science Center will soon close its doors, leaving a legacy that has benefited Russian society as well as partners from thirty-eight countries. Schweitzer argues that a broader and more sustained movement is now needed to help prevent irresponsible behavior by dissatisfied or misguided scientists and their patrons.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780820344348
Publisher:	University of Georgia Press
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	Studies in Security and International Affairs Series , #20
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

GLENN E. SCHWEITZER is director of the Office for Central Europe and Eurasia of the U.S. National Academies. He served in Moscow as the first executive director of the International Science and Technology Center from 1992 to 1994. His many books include U.S.-Iran Engagement in Science, Engineering, and Health and A Faceless Enemy: The Origins of Modern Terrorism.

GLENN E. SCHWEITZER is director of the Office for Central Europe and Eurasia of the U.S. National Academies. He served in Moscow as the first executive director of the International Science and Technology Center from 1992 to 1994. His many books include U.S.-Iran Engagement in Science, Engineering, and Health and A Faceless Enemy: The Origins of Modern Terrorism.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Significant Events in the History of the istc xv

1 A Unique Experiment for Security and Prosperity 1

2 Off to a Fast Start (1994-2000) 18

3 An Era of Euphoria (2001-2006) 35

4 Unraveling of the Moscow Science Center (2007-2011) 56

5 The World Market for High-Tech Expertise 85

6 The Long Road to a Silicon Valley in Russia 104

7 U.S.-Russia Bilateral Engagement Programs 126

8 The Nuclear File 153

9 The Biosecurity File 170

10 The Aerospace File 184

11 Measuring Success 199

12 Replicating istc Experiences While Avoiding Pitfalls 219

13 The Way Forward 235

Epilogue 249

Appendix A Agreement Establishing an International Science and Technology Center 251

Appendix B Protocol on the Provisional Application of the Agreement Establishing an International Science and Technology Center 260

Appendix C President Dmitry Medvedev's Decree No. 534, August 11, 2010 262

Appendix D Diplomatic Note on Russian Withdrawal from the istc Agreement and Protocol 263

Appendix E Istc Project Funding and Beneficiary Scientists, 1994-2011 264

Notes 271

Index 285

Editorial Reviews

Schweitzer presents a unique perspective on the recent history and future prospects of the ISTC and the reasons for its decline as far as the Russian Federation is concerned. He has had unparalleled access to decision makers and administrators who impacted the ISTC throughout its history. I recommend this book to serious students of nonproliferation and to those who closely follow all aspects of U.S.-Russian relations.

Senior Science Advisor to U.S. Department of State for Science Centers in Russia and Ukraine - Steven J. Gitomer

The risky and unpredictable transformation period in the early 1990s from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation and many new independent states had numerous heroes in media headlines. But there were others working far away from the spotlights to resolve one of the greatest dangers our planet faced: the risks of WMD proliferation and the spread of weapons expertise. This is the fascinating story of the ISTC in Moscow, an organization that for two decades played a major role in mitigating those risks.

Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Former Deputy Executive Director of the ISTC - Waclaw Gudowski

Containing Russia’s Nuclear Firebirds is an excellent analysis of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC). . . . This book offers lessons for 2013 and beyond for combating international weapons proliferation.

Choice - D. Ostergren

Glenn Schweitzer’s intimate knowledge of Russia’s scientific enterprise provides new insights as to how the International Science and Technology Center became a key component of the global effort to reduce the risks of proliferation of dual-use technologies. His personal interactions with scientists throughout Russia provide a treasure trove of information for policy officials and scholars who will reflect on the center’s accomplishments and the valuable lessons learned for the future.

cochairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative - former Senator Sam Nunn

“Glenn Schweitzer’s intimate knowledge of Russia’s scientific enterprise provides new insights as to how the International Science and Technology Center became a key component of the global effort to reduce the risks of proliferation of dual-use technologies. His personal interactions with scientists throughout Russia provide a treasure trove of information for policy officials and scholars who will reflect on the center’s accomplishments and the valuable lessons learned for the future.”—former Senator Sam Nunn, cochairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative

"The risky and unpredictable transformation period in the early 1990s from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation and many new independent states had numerous heroes in media headlines. But there were others working far away from the spotlights to resolve one of the greatest dangers our planet faced: the risks of WMD proliferation and the spread of weapons expertise. This is the fascinating story of the ISTC in Moscow, an organization that for two decades played a major role in mitigating those risks."—Waclaw Gudowski, Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Former Deputy Executive Director of the ISTC

"Schweitzer presents a unique perspective on the recent history and future prospects of the ISTC and the reasons for its decline as far as the Russian Federation is concerned. He has had unparalleled access to decision makers and administrators who impacted the ISTC throughout its history. I recommend this book to serious students of nonproliferation and to those who closely follow all aspects of U.S.-Russian relations."—Steven J. Gitomer, Senior Science Advisor to U.S. Department of State for Science Centers in Russia and Ukraine

“Containing Russia’s Nuclear Firebirds is an excellent analysis of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC). . . . This book offers lessons for 2013 and beyond for combating international weapons proliferation.”—D. Ostergren, Choice

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