Science Policy and Nuclear Proliferation
6
Scientists as Advocates, Activists, and News Media Briefers Hans M. Kristensen Federation of American Scientists [email protected] 202-454-4695 Presentation to Virtual Intern and Fellows Program, Scientists and Engineers for America October 13, 2009
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Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists' Nuclear Information Project, discusses the role of scientists and advocacy groups in promoting the facts and fact-based decision making as it pertains to nuclear weapons around the globe.
Transcript of Science Policy and Nuclear Proliferation
Scientists as Advocates, Activists, and News Media Briefers
Hans M. Kristensen Federation of American Scientists
[email protected] 202-454-4695
Presentation to Virtual Intern and Fellows Program,
Scientists and Engineers for America October 13, 2009
Slide 2
Background
• From Activist to “Expert” – Greenpeace (1981-1995) – Nautilus Institute (1996-2002) – Natural Resources Defense Council (2003-2005)
• Federation of American Scientists (2005-) – Director, Nuclear Information Project: public
education project on status of nuclear forces and operations
– Author: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, SIPRI Yearbook, reports, articles
– Researcher: Freedom of Information Act
Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009
Slide 3
Background
• Examples of Work: Expansion of US nuclear doctrine – From “nuclear” to “WMD” (1995-2000) – Doctrine for Joint Nuclear Operations (2001-2005) – Regional strike plans (2006-2009)
Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009
Slide 4
Background
• Examples of Work: Chinese nuclear forces – Nuclear Notebook (2001-) – FAS/NRDC report (2006) – New submarine (2007) – Submarine patrols
Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009
Slide 5
Advice For Scientists
…on working as advocates and activists:
Key functions: – Add substance and authority to debate versus just opinions – Verify/check/challenge validity of information used in debate
– If you don’t believe in it, don’t do it – Pursue your issue; find you niche – Always challenge assumptions, most importantly your own – Be passionate but don’t preach – Don’t demonize; respect and learn from “the other side” – Remember: Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence
Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009
Slide 6
Advice For Scientists
…on speaking efficiently to the press:
Scientists advising news media more important than ever – Media pressure on journalists to produce more stories; fewer “deep”
journalists with institutional and factual knowledge – Fast flux of Internet means less time on research and more time chasing
stories; unsubstantiated rumors and errors proliferate with light-speed
– Simplify but don’t simplify – Build up service-relationship with issue reporters; they’ll call back – Don’t overload; make sure you’ve got the news – Let the material speak for itself; don’t overdo/oversell – Say “I don’t know” if you don’t know; honesty builds trust
Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009
