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ON 8 FEBRUARY 2007, at the Kellogg Conference Center at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), the Journal of International Affairs and the Middle East Institute hosted a live debate between Scott Sagan and Kenneth Waltz. The two political scientists revisited their classic debate on nuclear weapons, addressing recent developments in Iran and possible global responses. Richard K. Betts moderated the event. Dean Lisa Anderson delivered opening remarks.
lisa Anderson: I'm delighted to welcome you here and to congratulate the Journal of International Affairs for having put together such a distinguished and, as it turns out, popular program. It is a tribute to the Journal that for sixty years it has addressed questions in ways both timely and timeless. Some of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs' most renowned faculty and distinguished students have been associated with the Journal.
Among these faculty is one who has agreed to serve as moderator tonight. Professor Richard Betts could make the case for either of our contestants nearly as well as they do, and, in their absence, often does. Now he will help us to pursue the question of whether Iran should go nuclear. Dick, the arena is yours.
Richard Betts: Thank you, Dean Anderson. We are fortunate to have Kenneth Waltz and Scott Sagan here tonight. Their company here is appropriate for two special reasons.
First, to help answer the general question of whether the acquisition of nuclear weapons by middle-powers like Iran is bad, good or indifferent in its implications. Many of you have read their book, The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: A Debate, which explores the question in very provocative detail. The question tonight is how the particular case of Iran fits into this debate.
second, focusing on Iran brings us to the question-in the air at this very moment-of whether the United States will soon attack Iran in an attempt to set back its nuclear program.
The United States has recently dispatched the [USS John C. Stennis] aircraft carrier battle group to patrol the waters of Iran's vicinity. It isn't clear why, unless President Bush is at least considering the option of an air attack. If this action is simply coercive muscle-flexing, it could prove embarrassing in the...