Public Lecture on “Introduction to Nuclear Security”
Dr. Sara Kuchesfahani from the Center for International Trade and Security at the University of Georgia, USA, delivered a public lecture on “Introduction to Nuclear Security” at the university. The lecture was organized by the Department of National and Regional Security and the Center for Strategic Studies in Defense and Security at UNWE as part of the preparatory activities for the upcoming international Master’s program in “Nuclear Security” at the university.
Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Head of the Department of National and Regional Security, introduced the lecturer, Dr. Sara Kuchesfahani, along with her accompanying team: Karen Cruz, Business Manager at the Center for International Trade and Security at the University of Georgia, and Ira Plax, a student at the Center.
In a brief presentation, Karen Cruz explained the objectives and activities of the University of Georgia’s center, highlighting its work in reducing the threat of proliferation of technologies and materials for weapons of mass destruction, as well as its role in undergraduate and graduate educational programs. Ira Plax shared her experience with the training, the courses she has studied, and the preparation of student research projects.
The lecturer, Dr. Sarah Kuchesfahani, sequentially addressed the concept of nuclear security, focusing on prevention, detection, and accountability in cases of theft, nuclear sabotage, and illicit transfer, among others. She emphasized that nuclear security has been established as a distinct field within international security, and programs are currently being developed to enhance chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) awareness and culture.
In her presentation, Dr. Kuchesfahani highlighted the world’s nuclear-weapon-free zones and the main threats to nuclear security, including nuclear terrorism, the malicious use of radioactive materials, and the theft and trafficking of radioactive substances. She also emphasized the necessary steps to strengthen nuclear security.
