In this episode of Machiavelli in the Ivory Tower, hosts Sarah and Hanna speak with Nicholas Miller, associate professor in the Department of Government at Dartmouth College. Their conversation focuses on the proliferation implications of Russia’s war against Ukraine one year on. With Professor Miller, they examine the evolving discourse around proliferation cascades over time and assess whether concerns about the emergence of such a cascade following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have been exaggerated. In so doing, they discuss insights Professor Miller has derived from his work relating to the factors that drive or inhibit proliferation, the degree to which some appear to matter more than others, and the relationship between arms control and nonproliferation regimes. Toward the end of their discussion, they touch upon the concept of “nuclear learning” and speculate about the kinds of lessons policymakers globally might draw from the current crisis. At the conclusion of the conversation, Professor Miller offers his view on the interactions between the scholarly and policy communities, what they can gain from interacting with one another, and techniques and approaches to make these interactions more productive.
Discussion topics:
Implications of the war in Ukraine for nonproliferation
Should we be concerned about further proliferation in the Middle East?
Is the discourse around proliferation “cascades” different now than in the past?
Factors that slow proliferation
The link between arms control and proliferation
Could the demise of arms control empower advocates for nuclear weapons?
Concerns about Russia enabling nuclear proliferation
Lessons learned
Recommendations for bridging the gap between scholars and policymakers
In this episode of Machiavelli in the Ivory Tower, hosts Sarah and Hanna speak with Dr. Siegfried Hecker, former director of Los Alamos National Laboratory and current Distinguished Professor of Practice at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). Their conversation centers on Dr. Hecker’s forthcoming book, Hinge Points: An Inside Look at North Korea’s Nuclear Program (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2023). Dr. Hecker offers insights into the DPRK’s dual-track strategy of diplomacy and nuclear development and highlights missed opportunities when Washington might have been able to channel Pyongyang toward the elimination of nuclear weapons and did not. He shares insights gleaned from his many visits to North Korea and reflects on both the future of US policy toward the DPRK and the importance of facilitating engagement between scientists and diplomats.
Topics discussed include:
The DPRK’s dual-track strategy of diplomacy and nuclear development
Hinge points: missed opportunities in US policy towards the DPRK
Reflecting on the most consequential hinge points
Reasons for US policy failures
In-person engagement with proliferation-averse actors
Why a singular focus on DPRK denuclearization has been problematic
What next for US policy on the DPRK?
What scientific and policy communities can learn from each other
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection from the Monkeypox virus, and is spread through skin to skin contact with sores, scabs, bodily fluids and respiratory droplets. It can also be spread by touching materials used by a person with the virus that haven’t been cleaned, such as bedding and clothing.
Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, though many cases have been transmitted sexually. Anyone can get monkeypox.
Most common symptoms:
A rash (can look like pimples, blisters, lesions or sores)
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Exhaustion
Swollen lymph nodes
How can I help reduce stigma with Monkeypox?
Stigma can discourage people from seeking medical attention or make them more likely to hide symptoms or illness. While Monkeypox is currently disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men, anyone – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – can be susceptible to the Monkeypox virus. To reduce stigma, stay focused on evidence-based facts about the virus (listed on this sheet) and correct misinformation or negative language about how the virus spreads.
Harm reduction strategies to reduce risk:
Avoid gatherings involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact with others
Wear a mask
Utilize proper hand hygiene by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer
Monitor your health – stay home if you aren’t feeling well
Avoid sharing clothing or bedding with others
What if someone thinks they have Monkeypox, or has been exposed?
Students can contact Health Services at 802-443-3290 if they have concerns about symptoms, a potential exposure, or want to know more about PrEP for Monkeypox.
How can I respond to a concerned student?
Respond with empathy while staying focused on the facts. Here are some examples of talking points you can use.
“I’m too afraid to talk to my classmates. I heard Monkeypox is spread through respiratory droplets.”
Example answer: It is true that Monkeypox can be spread through respiratory droplets, but that’s typically going to be with close face-to-face contact for long periods of time. A quick hello to your peers isn’t a big risk. If you’re still worried, let’s find a mask that you can wear.
“I have a bump and I can’t tell if it’s an ingrown hair, a zit, or Monkeypox and I’m freaking out!”
Example answer: Monkeypox can include symptoms of a rash that turn into lesions or bumps, but like you said, it could be lots of other things too. Call Health Services on campus or utilize TimelyCare’s telehealth option to speak to a medical professional and ease your concern.
“Oh, great. It’s the new COVID-19. Just what we need, another pandemic.”
Example answer: I hear your sarcasm and pandemic fatigue, and I agree that we’re all pretty tired! The good news is that Monkeypox isn’t another pandemic, case trends in the U.S. remain contained. Another great thing we’ve learned from COVID-19 is all of the prevention strategies we can use by continuing to social distance, wear a mask, and wash our hands.
Where should I direct a student who wants to know more?
On campus, students can contact Health Services at 802-443-3290 or use TimelyCare’s telehealth services if they have concerns about symptoms or a potential exposure. They can also contact the Health & Wellness Education office to talk through strategies on individual risk reduction, or contact Counseling services for support related to Monkeypox or other concerns.
Thank you to the many Middlebury employees, from all areas of campus, who make the Summer Research Program possible. For over 40 years, students have spent the summer learning with faculty mentors through research projects, experiencing both their college and academic field in a new way.
Come say hello and grab a refreshment as the students speak about their projects at the Summer Research Symposium on Thursday, August 4 from 2-4 pm in the MBH Great Hall.
The Middlebury College Libraries have built an Anti-Racism Reading Guide to help everyone in the Middlebury community connect with books and other resources to support anti-racism efforts and self-education. In this guide you’ll find works encompassing a wide array of perspectives, and covering foundational concepts, lived experiences, and artistic expressions.
The guide also includes all of the works covered in our ongoing Staff Picks reviews of titles related to anti-racism. Most recently Kay Cyr, Interlibrary Loan Associate at Davis Family Library, reviewed Ibram X. Kendi’s How to be an Anti-Racist.
All titles included in this reading guide are available through the Middlebury College Libraries. For help connecting to these or any other library resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Middlebury librarians via go/AskUs/.
Registration is open for the GMHEC team physical activity challenge!
Grab your coworkers (and partner/spouse/family members) and work together to be the first team to complete the Great Western Loop. This 6,875 mile trail links together five long-distance hiking trails: the Pacific Crest Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Grand Enchantment Trail, and the Arizona Trail. It features some of the most remote, beautiful, hostile, and pristine environments in the United States, including the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert, 12 National Parks, and 75 wilderness areas.
Each participant on your team will be able to bike, hike, swim, paddle or engage in a host of other activities which will be converted to steps to move your team toward the finish line. At the conclusion of the challenge all participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of ten prizes including Garmin Forerunner watches and $100 gift cards to your favorite local coop food store. All participants will have an opportunity to win a prize.
The challenge will begin on Monday, July 20th and will start and end at the Grand Canyon. The challenge will conclude when the first team arrives back at the Grand Canyon. Get more details including the link to register at https://gmhec.org/category/well-being/events/
Posted on behalf of Rebecca Schubert, MS RDN NBC-HWC GMHEC Employee Well-being Program Coordinator
Please visit this post on the Center for Community Engagement blog as we celebrate some of Tiffany’s major career accomplishments, announce the new Public Leadership Award created in her honor, and share reflections from colleagues and from Tiffany herself during this time of transition.
