Redirection of BW Experts in the Framework of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC)

Abstract

The founding of the ISTC was a direct result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and resulting end of the Cold War. The former Soviet defense sector was highly destabilized and a host of science and technology institutes faced drastic reductions in operating funds. As a consequence, scientists who had formerly enjoyed a privileged status were faced with marginal salaries and few prospects for a meaningful career, either in their old defense-related activities or in alternative conversion activities. The rest of the world then faced the prospect of the proliferation of the expertise and knowledge of a generation of former Soviet weapons scientists whose work and lives had been severely disrupted. The main concerns were for scientists involved with weapons of mass destruction, namely, nuclear, chemical, biological, and delivery systems.