June 26th, 2026
Luncheon Lecture
"Is the Non-Proliferation Treaty Still Fit for Purpose?
Lessons from the 2026 NPT Review Conference."
Dr. William Potter
Director, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies
Middlebury Institute of International Studies
The Non-Proliferation (NPT) Treaty regime remains the cornerstone of global security. The international community, however, faces a critical moment as the state of nuclear nonproliferation faces numerous challenges including eroding trust and increasing proliferation drivers. Dr. Potter will review the health of the international nonproliferation regime in light of current challenges. He will also share lessons from the 2026 NPT Review Conference held in May, at which he was a delegate.
William Potter was trained as a Soviet specialist and wrote his first book on the technology, economics, and politics of nuclear nonproliferation. He soon became fascinated by parallels in Soviet and U.S. nuclear export and nonproliferation policy and the degree of cooperation between the two Cold War adversaries in the sphere of nonproliferation. As such, he was one of the very few scholars knowledgeable about both Soviet affairs and the dangers of nuclear weapons spread when the Soviet Union collapsed. He parlayed that knowledge and an interest in “open source” (unclassified) data collection to build what soon became the largest research and training center on curtailing the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the world – the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) located in Monterey.
Dr. Potter served for five years as the U.S. representative on the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. He was also intimately involved in the negotiation of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty as an advisor to the five Central Asian states. He has served on several Joint U.S.-Russian National Academy of Sciences Committees focused on enhancing the physical protection and accounting of nuclear weapons material (i.e., addressing the threats posed by so-called “loose nukes” in the post-Soviet states).
In addition to serving as Director of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Dr. Potter is the Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He earned his PhD in Political Science at the University of Michigan.
Friday, June 26th, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn - Monterey
$50 World Affairs Council Members
$65 for Guests
Luncheon Lecture
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
MENU
Salad
Hearts of Romaine & Napa Valley Cabbage with Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Colorful Bell Peppers, Shredded Carrots,
Edamame with Sesame Dressing
Entrée
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon served with Coconut Ginger Rice &
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Dessert
Mango Cheesecake
Vegetarian
Balsamic Portobello Stuffed with Lentils and Spinach Parm,
Coconut Ginger Rice & Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Registration closes on Friday, June 19th, 2026 at 5 pm
or when the venue fills.
$50 World Affairs Council Members
$65 for Guests
Please note: Cancellations after the deadline are non-refundable.
If you encounter difficulties with our online registration, please email info@wacmb.org or tel. 831‑643‑1855 to reserve a spot by close of registration - Friday, June 19th, 2026
