Report by Ms. Montserrat Catà Lladó, City of Granollers, Spain
More than 80 viewers from all over the world connected to the webinar, held on November 28. The session opened with remarks by the Mayor of Hiroshima, Mr. Matsui, followed by interventions of Daniel Högsta (ICAN) and Marc Finaud (IDN). Four experts presented their arguments. Dr. Francesca Giovannini pointed out that there is a chance to understand the limitations of deterrence: it is not a political solution, it is supposed to open a space on which one builds for engagement and it is mostly about countries that have nuclear weapons. Dr. Benoît Pelopidas explained that deterrence puts you at the mercy of accidental explosions or adversaries willing to take the risk, therefore, it is not about protection. Dr. Laura Considine discussed the impact of language on the perception of nuclear weapons. Dr. Kjølv Egeland explained the difference between the school of thought that thinks nuclear deterrence is straightforward and the one that does not. After a Q&A, Alba Barnusell, Mayor of Granollers, closed the webinar. You can find a summary of this webinar at the European Chapter website: https://www.mayorsforpeace.eu/news/.
Photo: courtesy of the European Chapter