Inheriting the Bomb: The Past and Present of Ukraine's Nuclear Disarmament

Explore the complex history and geopolitical implications of Ukraine's nuclear disarmament in this 48-minute talk by Mariana Budjeryn, Senior Research Associate at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. Delve into the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse and its impact on the world's largest nuclear arsenal, focusing on Ukraine's unique position as a non-Russian successor state. Examine the negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia that led to Ukraine's decision to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty and transfer its nuclear warheads. Analyze the relevance of these historical decisions in light of Russia's recent invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. Gain insights from multi-archival sources on the causes and consequences of Ukraine's nuclear disarmament, and consider the broader implications for global security and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.