On Tuesday July 27, Campus Progress hosted 93 students at Busboys and Poets in an effort to encourage youth to voice their support for nuclear non-proliferation in the Strategic Arms Reduction (START) Treaty.

Moderator Max Bergmann, Center for American Progress Nuclear Non-Proliferation Policy Analyst interviewed Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy to the White House Mona Sutphen and Ploughshares Fund Manager Alexandra Bell. Young people listened in a room with walls painted with quotes from famous activists and the word “peace” translated into multiple languages.

The discussion was partly historical to give attendees context of the global nuclear weapon situation. As Bergmann noted, college students of today were born in the early 90’s, the Post-Cold War era, so the threat of nuclear warfare has not been a part of their life. Bell informed the audience of the scientific process of nuclear weapons in layman’s terms noting that while uranium is abundant, the process of extracting is costly and only feasible by government projects.

The conversation moved to current foreign relations focusing on the START treaty signed by the United States and Russia earlier this year. Bell expressed approval for international relations moving from talk of terrorists to talk of a more multi-lateral and pressing issue.

Sutphen spoke to Obama’s focus on non-proliferation, an issue that seemed of little focus during his election. She explained that the while there is low-risk for nuclear war compared to other disasters, it is highly preventable with weapons concentrated on the hands of the few. Non-proliferation work gives representation of his multi-lateral approach in international relations. This has yet yet to be brought to light by the media.

After the panel presentation, audience members were given the opportunity to ask questions. Bergman was sure to encourage everyone to see the new film, Countdown to Zero, to learn more about the issue and  take action.

Guests arrive at the event

Our three panelists: Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy to the White House Mona Sutphen, moderator Max Bergmann, and Ploughshares Fund Manager Alexandra Bell

Attendees listening attentively

It was a full house.