More Useful Resources for the 2018 Topic: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: Achievements, Aspirations and Challenges Ahead

**Useful Resources Updated 3/1/2018**

Putin’s Irresponsible Nuclear Boasts

Arms Control Association by Daryl G. Kimball on March 1, 2018

Provides context to Putin’s announcement of Russia’s continued development of nuclear weapons systems, as well as the tensions between US-Russia relations. Kimball also discusses the risk that existing arms control agreements between the two nations will fall through and a new arms race will be initiated. The two global superpowers of US and Russia now seem to be moving in the opposite direction of the Ban Treaty, and are in danger of initiating an arms race.

Putin boasts of new Russian nuclear weapons

ABC Segment on Russia’s new nuclear weapons.

A Dangerous Retreat From Disarmament Diplomacy

Arms Control Association,  Daryl G. Kimball, Executive Director

This article explains the Trump administration’s break from the traditional US position that advocates arms control. It also considers plans to rebuild the US nuclear arsenal, and the lack of US commitment to New START, which will expire in three years. As with the article Putin’s Irresponsible Nuclear Boasts, this article points out the trend away from arms controls and disarmament, and towards a nuclear arms race.  

Core Group of Negotiators for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Voted “2017 Arms Control Persons of the Year”

Arms Control Association, Press Release
 

The disarmament negotiation teams of Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and Costa Rica were voted Arms Control Persons of the Year for their role in the adoption of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons this year. Over 2,500 supporters from 90+ countries (a record number!) voted in this year’s contest.

Reading G20 Reactions to the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Written by  CIF Alum and former CNS undergraduate intern Thu-An Pham! This article discusses various nations’ reactions to the Ban Treaty and includes questions for proponents and opponents of the Ban Treaty to consider.

The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons 

The Choices Program, Brown University 

The curriculum The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons gives students the tools they need to consider the questions that surround the future of nuclear weapons. Part I introduces students to the history of nuclear weapons and the concept of deterrence. Part II examines some of the arguments for and against nuclear weapons, and then looks at three challenges: the leftover arsenals of the Cold War, proliferation, and the threat of nuclear terrorism.

2018 Nuclear Posture Review Resource 

Federation of American Scientists

Analysis and perspectives on the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review organised by topic such as “The Role of US Nuclear Weapons,” and “Assumptions About Adversaries.” The page includes links to analysis written by experts in the nonproliferation field. 

Donald Trump Is Playing a Dangerous Game of Nuclear Poker

Time

Great article, offers an in-depth analysis of the Trump administration’s approach to nuclear policy as well as context relating to previous U.S. policy relating to nuclear politics. 

Exclusive: U.N. chief plans major disarmament push but U.S. Skeptical 

Reuters

The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is reportedly plans to launch an infinitive centering on disarmament of various  kinds of weapons, including nuclear weapons. The U.S. response to the initiative includes an anonymous U.S. official who referred to the goal of nuclear disarmament as “aspirational.”

Podcast: Things That Go Boom

Public Radio International

From their website: One year ago, Donald J. Trump became the President of the United States. Since then, it seems like the world has exploded. North Korea, Russia, Charlottesville. The threats are all around. Enter Things That Go Boom, a new podcast from PRI and Inkstick Media. Hosted by Laicie Heeley, Things That Go Boom digs deeper into US foreign policy and the ins, outs, and whathaveyous of what keeps us safe.

Celebrating 15 Years of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education 

UNODA Occasional Papers – No. 31, December 2017

This edition of the Occasional Paper celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of the United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, which was presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2002. It contains contributions by experts from around the world which showcase fresh perspectives, new ideas and innovations in disarmament and non-proliferation education. Contributors from CNS include Dr. William Potter, Founding Director, and Masako Toki, Education Project Manager. 

 The Experts on the new Nuclear Posture Review

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
 
This article includes experts’ opinions on the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR)released by the Trump Administration. The NPR focuses on increased spending on the nuclear arsenal, which has been criticized by experts outside of the administration. A variety of experts have contributed their thoughts to on the NPR.