NTI Experts Available to Discuss Oppenheimer Film & Today’s Nuclear Threats

WASHINGTON –Christopher Nolan’s new film Oppenheimer, arriving in theaters July 21st, premieres at an incredibly risky time for nuclear security. Amid Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling in the Ukraine war to escalating threats posed by North Korea and Iran, NTI experts are available to put the film in the context of current events.

In addition to a resources page dedicated to the film, NTI has experts available for journalists writing about the movie and today’s nuclear threats:

Joan Rohlfing, President and Chief Operating Officer, NTI

Rohlfing has held leadership roles at NTI since the organization launched in 2001. Before joining NTI, she held senior positions with the U.S. Department of Energy during the Clinton Administration, as senior advisor for national security to the Secretary of Energy and as director of the Office of Nonproliferation and National Security. In 1999-2000, after the nuclear tests in India and Pakistan, Rohlfing served at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India where she advised the ambassador on nuclear security issues.

Lynn Rusten, Vice President, Global Nuclear Policy Program, NTI

Rusten has held senior positions in the White House, Department of State, and Congress.  Before joining NTI in 2017, Rusten served as the senior director for arms control and nonproliferation on the White House National Security Council staff and held positions at the Department of State, including chief of staff for the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation and senior advisor in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance.

Steve Andreasen, National Security Consultant, NTI

Andreasen served as director for defense policy and arms control on the National Security Council at the White House during the Clinton Administration. He was the principal advisor on strategic policy, nuclear arms control and missile defense to the National Security Advisor and the President. During the Bush Sr. and Reagan Administrations, Andreasen served in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs and the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.

James McKeon, Senior Program Officer, Global Nuclear Policy Program, NTI

Prior to joining NTI, James was a Policy Analyst at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Concurrently, he served as Political Director at Council for a Livable World, directing their congressional endorsement and campaign education activities and managing their education and lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

Additional Resources

NTI’s website offers more information on the film, including a forthcoming web page with a discussion guide, basic information on nuclear weapons and nuclear testing, a curriculum for students and educators, NTI commentary on the film, and more.

CONTACT: Cathy Gwin, [email protected]
202-270-5942 (mobile)