What does it take to negotiate nuclear arms deals with Vladimir Putin? Diplomat Rose Gottemoeller, one of America’s foremost leaders on nuclear diplomacy and also a former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, knows firsthand. In this timely episode, Joel sits down with Rose just after Putin announced Russia’s willingness to extend the New START accord — the very agreement she negotiated with Moscow as chief U.S. arms control negotiator during her service in the Obama Administration.
Gottemoeller takes us inside the high-stakes world of nuclear diplomacy, explaining what Putin’s recent proposal really means, why his timing matters, and how democratic systems can enhance negotiation effectiveness against autocratic counterparts. She also explains why nuclear negotiations must be kept separate from other geopolitical conflicts like Ukraine to be effective, and why Putin’s offers may be strategic distractions.
This rich conversation spans from the mechanics of negotiating with Moscow to the growing challenge of China’s rapid nuclear modernization—from 300 warheads 15 years ago to a projected 1,500 by 2035. Gottemoeller explains why we shouldn’t panic about China’s buildup, but must engage Beijing diplomatically about it.
With hard-won wisdom from her pioneering career in national security, Gottemoeller argues that “defending forward is far smarter than pulling back” and offers powerful advice for young women entering national security: “it may be unfair, but you have to be a better expert than those around you. And take good risks.”
This conversation is essential listening for those interested in Making Sense of the World and understanding how nuclear diplomacy shapes the balance of power in our time.
