Graham Allison

When President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, it was understood he was given the honor on speculation — part of a hope by many around the world that the new American president would reduce the threat of global nuclear war. Specifically, many hoped that President Obama could bring his stated plan to fruition: to help eradicate all nuclear weapons. The President himself admitted it may not happen in his lifetime, but a year after accepting his Nobel Prize, is the world any closer to freedom from nuclear weapons?

Graham Allison, professor of government at Harvard's Kennedy School, talks about the military crises JFK faced at the beginning of his term. Prof. Allison is director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and advised Presidents Reagan and Clinton. He is the author of the ...