International Security

Countdown to Catastrophe

Available Spring 2024

The world is on the brink of disaster. The Doomsday Clock, a symbol of the global threat of nuclear war, is set at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been. What are the causes and consequences of this alarming situation? How can we prevent a nuclear catastrophe that could end civilization? T Minus 90 Seconds is a timely and urgent book that explores the current state of nuclear affairs and the risks of a new arms race. Drawing on the expertise of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the book examines the factors that have eroded confidence in the existing treaties and agreements that have kept the nuclear balance for decades. It also analyzes the challenges posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the emergence of new technologies that could destabilize the global order. The book offers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the dangers and opportunities of the nuclear age. It calls for a renewed commitment to diplomacy, education, and public awareness to prevent a nuclear nightmare. It also outlines the steps that can be taken to reduce and eventually eliminate the nuclear threat, and to create a more peaceful and secure world. T Minus 90 Seconds is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of humanity and the planet. It is a wake-up call and a guide for action in a time of unprecedented peril.

Suspension of Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty

In the mid-2000s, Russia began the development of a cruise missile that would potentially violate the range limitation on such weapons imposed by the INF treaty restricting the nuclear forces in Europe. The US and NATO expressed concerns that the development of the missile would constitute a violation of the INF Treaty. Calls on Russia to halt the clandestine development of the treaty-violating missile system designated 9M729 or SSC-8 by NATO eventually led to the US suspension of their participation in the treaty on August 2, 2019. This was on the basis that Russia had developed and fielded a missile system that violated the INF Treaty and posed significant risks to European security. In the absence of a response from Russia regarding the development of this new missile, the United States announced its decision to suspend its obligations under Article XV of the INF Treaty beginning January 1, 2019

Science

The Double Helix: The Mona Lisa of Science

Reconstruction of the original Watson-Crick DNA double helix model

Molecular Models

No molecule in the history of science has acheieved the iconic status of DNA. Since it’s discovery in 1953. Leonardo da Vinci’s La Giaconda familiarly known as the Mona Lisa, has been related by art historian Martin Kemp to the now iconic double helix of the DNA molecule in terms of capturing both admiration for how they were created and for their enigmatic appeal – the Mona Lisa for her smile and the entrancing symmetry of the DNA double helix. Both works inter-weave both art and science that includes how they were created. Also, both are the subject of tales, though very different, of theft, forgery and attribution.

Turnip Yellow Mosaic Virus

Leonardo’s meticulous craftsmanship in creating La Giaconda is mirrored in the precision of nature’s genetic code, where the elegant structure of DNA unfolds as a testament to the inherent beauty of science. The comparison highlights the interplay between art and science, emphasizing the common thread of creativity that binds these seemingly distinct domains.

Art historian Martin Kemp draws an unexpected parallel between the symmetry of the DNA molecule and the mysterious qualities of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterwork, La Giaconda, familarly. known as the Mona Lisa, drawing a facinating comparison between these two otherwise unrelated iconic objects, both admired for their beauty and the techniques used in their creation. (Kemp, 2006).

As we delve into the genesis of these masterpieces, parallels emerge in the mysterious narratives surrounding their creation. Leonardo’s techniques, such as sfumato, contribute to the elusive charm of La Giaconda, mirroring the intricate dance between light and shadow on a canvas that rivals the complexity of DNA’s double helix structure (Kemp, 2006). The artistic process and scientific discovery converge in their shared pursuit of understanding the enigmatic aspects of existence.

Moreover, both La Giaconda and the DNA molecule have become the protagonists in tales of intrigue and controversy. The theft, forgery, and attribution surrounding these works add layers of complexity to their narratives. La Giaconda, famously stolen from the Louvre in 1911, became the centerpiece of an international art mystery before being recovered in 1914 (Farago, 2019). In the scientific realm, controversies surrounding the discovery of DNA’s structure involved clashes over attribution, most notably the heated debate between James Watson and Rosalind Franklin (Maddox, 2002).

The entwined histories of these masterpieces unfold in chapters that bridge the realms of art and science, showcasing the enduring allure of human creativity. Leonardo da Vinci’s La Giaconda and the DNA molecule, though separated by centuries and disciplines, converge in their ability to evoke wonder, mystery, and fascination—testaments to the enduring interplay between artistic expression and scientific inquiry.

Devolop th idea below into a complete story with references and citations: “Leonardo da Vinci’s La Giaconda has been compared by art historian Martin Kemp to the inow iconic beautiful symmetry of the DNA molecule. Additionally, both works are enigmatic in ways that inter-weave both art and science that include how they were created. Also, both are the subject of tales, though very different, of theft, forgery and attribution.”

In the realm of artistic and scientific brilliance, the enigmatic nature of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, La Giaconda, finds an unexpected parallel in the iconic symmetry of the DNA molecule. Art historian Martin Kemp draws an intriguing connection between these two seemingly disparate realms, noting the captivating beauty and symmetry that captivates observers in both instances (Kemp, 2006).

Leonardo’s meticulous craftsmanship in creating La Giaconda is mirrored in the precision of nature’s genetic code, where the elegant structure of DNA unfolds as a testament to the inherent beauty of science. The comparison highlights the interplay between art and science, emphasizing the common thread of creativity that binds these seemingly distinct domains.

As we delve into the genesis of these masterpieces, parallels emerge in the mysterious narratives surrounding their creation. Leonardo’s techniques, such as sfumato, contribute to the elusive charm of La Giaconda, mirroring the intricate dance between light and shadow on a canvas that rivals the complexity of DNA’s double helix structure (Kemp, 2006). The artistic process and scientific discovery converge in their shared pursuit of understanding the enigmatic aspects of existence.

Moreover, both La Giaconda and the DNA molecule have become the protagonists in tales of intrigue and controversy. The theft, forgery, and attribution surrounding these works add layers of complexity to their narratives. La Giaconda, famously stolen from the Louvre in 1911, became the centerpiece of an international art mystery before being recovered in 1914 (Farago, 2019). In the scientific realm, controversies surrounding the discovery of DNA’s structure involved clashes over attribution, most notably the heated debate between James Watson and Rosalind Franklin (Maddox, 2002).

The entwined histories of these masterpieces unfold in chapters that bridge the realms of art and science, showcasing the enduring allure of human creativity. Leonardo da Vinci’s La Giaconda and the DNA molecule, though separated by centuries and disciplines, converge in their ability to evoke wonder, mystery, and fascination—testaments to the enduring interplay between artistic expression and scientific inquiry.

Buckminster Fuller, a visionary inventor, engineer, architect, and philosopher, is often hailed as the da Vinci of the modern era. His legacy reverberates through the realms of design, science, and problem-solving. Let’s delve into his remarkable contributions:

1. Geodesic Domes: Fuller’s most iconic creation, the geodesic dome, has become a symbol of innovation. These lightweight, spherical structures are constructed using interconnected triangles, maximizing strength and efficiency. Over 200,000 geodesic domes have been erected worldwide since their inception⁴.
2. Dymaxion Maps: Fuller introduced the concept of the Dymaxion map, an innovative way to represent the Earth’s surface on a flat plane. Unlike traditional maps, the Dymaxion map minimizes distortion and presents a more accurate depiction of landmasses and oceans.
3. Prefabricated Housing: As early as the late 1920s, Fuller explored prefabrication in housing. His goal was to make housing affordable for everyone. He envisioned a future with fewer resources and used technology to address climate and housing issues. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern prefab housing¹.
4. Cross-Disciplinary Approach: Fuller’s genius lay not only in his inventions but also in his cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach to problem-solving. He didn’t confine himself to one discipline; instead, he drew from engineering, architecture, environmentalism, arts, and creativity. His work transcended silos and embraced holistic solutions¹.
5. Self-Taught Prodigy: Fuller was largely self-trained, occupying multiple spaces as an architect, engineer, artist, and designer. He fearlessly tackled complex issues, unafraid of failure. His vision extended beyond individual disciplines, emphasizing the interconnectedness of knowledge and creativity¹.
6. Legacy of Democratizing Housing: Fuller saw industrialized manufacturing as a means to democratize housing. By making housing more efficient, economical, and accessible, he aimed to improve lives globally. His influence on prefab housing endures to this day³.

In summary, Buckminster Fuller’s legacy lies not only in his tangible creations but also in his audacious spirit, holistic thinking, and commitment to a better, more sustainable world..

Sources:
(1) R. Buckminster Fuller Paintings, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory. https://www.theartstory.org/artist/fuller-buckminster/.
(2) Edging Towards Utopia: The Legacy Of Buckminster Fuller – Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/edging-towards-utopia-the-legacy-of-buckminster-fuller.
(3) Buckminster Fuller | Lemelson. https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/buckminster-fuller.
(4) Buckminster Fuller – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckminster_Fuller.
(5) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/american-architect-inventor-and-futurist-buckminster-fuller-news-photo/614302298.

Oceans: Living underwater

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Space

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Internet

National Science Foundation Network

The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) was a program of coordinated, evolving projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 1985 to 1995 to promote advanced research and education networking in the United States

The program created several nationwide backbone computer networks in support of these initiatives. Initially created to link researchers to NSF-funded supercomputing centers, through further public funding and private industry partnerships, it developed into a major part of the Internet backbone. The NSFNET permitted only government agencies and universities to use the network until 1989, when the first commercial Internet service provider emerged. By 1991, the NSF had removed access restrictions, and the commercial ISP business grew rapidly. On April 30, 1995, the commercial Internet took its place and decommissioned the NSFNET.

The switch from the government-run academic network to commercial service was crucial because it made the Internet a global network of networks that anyone with an Internet connection could access. The commercialization of the Internet from US federally funded academic and non-profit network services to competitive network service providers led to the development of new technologies and services that have transformed the way society communicates, works, and lives. The dramatic growth of the Internet became a major driver of economic growth and job creation through the 1990s.

The commercialization of the Internet became possible because national-level backbone network service providers agreed to carry traffic from networks of unequal size on the basis of zero settlement for traffic exchanged between networks. This system is referred to as peering. Here are archives of material of historical interest related to the earliest Internet peering agreements, including the establishment of the world’s first Internet traffic exchange point for commercial service providers, the Commercial Internet eXchange (CIX). Also there is a documentary record of the transition of the NSFNET and the setting up of NSF Network Access Points (NAP). The Cisco 7500 router that was the mainstay of the CIX from 1991 – 2001 was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History, Washington, DC.

I have included some material from the model building for Keith Critchlow following Buckminster Fuller at the Architectural Association School and the period of writing and research associated with marine and undersea architecture published in Architectural Design and later in Living Underwater also reviewed by Peter Raisbeck, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.