Professor James Cameron from FGV’s Center for International Relations gave a videoconference class to students of the United States Air Force Academy on the 19^th. The professor spoke about the possible lessons learned from Donald Trump’s administration regarding the country’s nuclear repositioning.

The class was held following the release of the “Nuclear Posture Review” (NPR) document by the United States Department of Defense in early February. The NPR lays out the United States’ new military and nuclear strategy, upholding the development of miniaturized nuclear weaponry to offset the threat posed by Russia. When asked about the subject, the professor argued that the history of the United States’ strategy – e.g. during the Cuban missile crisis – reveals that the advantages of balancing nuclear weapons don’t necessarily affect the country’s available options in times of crisis.

James Cameron was invited to give this class due to the impact made by his book “The Double Game: The Demise of America’s First Missile Defense System and the Rise of Strategic Arms Limitation”, published in November 2017 by Oxford University Press. In the book, the professor explains how the transition of America’s nuclear superiority over the Soviet Union into a state of equal nuclear power ties to the personal convictions of former Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon regarding the nuclear arms race, as well as public opinion.

The class was attended by students of the United States Air Force Academy, as well as students from the Brazilian Air Force’s Aviation Officer Training course, who attended the class remotely. The Center for International Relations is based at FGV’s School of Social Sciences (CPDOC).