Science and Technology to Advance Regional Security in the Middle East and Central Asia

International Cooperation to Address the Radioactive Legacy in States of the Former Soviet Union

“…In addition each relies upon multi-lateral international cooperation to effect a long-term solution. This paper extends the approach described by Tompson et al 1 by equipping emerging post-Soviet republics -stressed by Cold War environmental degradation -with tools to promote regional stability as well as improve economic conditions, educational opportunities, and public health.…”

“…The residual contamination described here is daunting, affects large numbers of people, crosses political borders, is hydrochemically complex, as well as requires critical strategies (and technologies) for effective long-term solutions. For these reasons, cooperative approaches using science and technology provide common tools that combine the capabilities of military, academic, ministerial, private organization, and other partners 1 . The long-term viability of emerging post-Soviet governments hinges on their ability to effective solve legacy environmental problems and best protect their citizens by promoting responsible environmental and economic practices.…”

“…Also important is the widespread perception throughout these countries that the Soviet nuclear legacy poses a grave threat to the human population. A new paradigm of "national security" encompasses more than the historical activities of nuclear weapon production, testing, and deterrence and now includes the environment, human and economic health, and the proliferation of weapons-of-mass destruction 1 . For these reasons the fall of the Soviet Union provides a new imperative and opportunity for systematic, comprehensive and interdisciplinary international efforts to begin to solve these important environmental problems.…”