Could US Disarmament Spark Increase in Nuclear Weapons? - Rory Medcalf October 13, 2009

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/09/29/Can_Obamas_Nuclear_Disarmament_Agenda_Work

Rory Medcalf raises concerns about the impact of American nuclear arms reductions on "extended deterrence." Without the U.S. promise to bring nuclear weapons to the defense of allies, he says, other countries might feel compelled to build their own weapons.

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The Lowy Institute convenes an expert panel to examine the implications of President Obama's push to reduce nuclear dangers, as well as to debate broader questions about nuclear disarmament. - Lowy Institute for International Policy

Rory Medcalf worked variously as an intelligence analyst, diplomat and journalist before joining the Lowy Institute as the International Security Program Director in March 2007.

From 2003 to 2007, he was a senior strategic analyst with the Office of National Assessments, Australia's peak intelligence analysis agency. His work dealt with Australia's strategic environment, particularly power relations in Asia. From 1996 to 2003, Mr Medcalf was an officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. From 2000 to 2003 he served at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. His diplomatic experience also included a secondment to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he played a key role in drafting the Tokyo Forum report on nuclear non-proliferation, service as a truce monitor in Bougainville, policy development on the ASEAN Regional Forum and assisting the Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Mr Medcalf's earlier work as print journalist was commended in Australia's premier media awards, the Walkleys. He has a first class Honours degree in political science and a University Medal from the University of Queensland.

He is the Australian convener of the Australia-India Roundtable and a research consultant for the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.