Civil Society and Nuclear Risk Reduction

In this interview, Oliver Meier discusses his career and views on nuclear policy, sharing how his experience spans both peace research and security policy. He emphasizes the enduring power dynamics created by nuclear weapons, which he believes destabilize global politics by increasing divisions and complicating cooperation. Meier advocates for civil society to pressure for nuclear abolition while also pursuing practical risk-reduction steps, given the challenges of immediate disarmament. Looking ahead, he expresses hope for a future where international relations can be organized without nuclear deterrence, although he acknowledges this shift will require significant political, rather than technical, change.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

In this interview, Beatrice Fihn shares insights on her journey to lead the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and reflects on nuclear disarmament. She discusses her evolving views on nuclear weapons, describing them as both a global threat and largely ineffective in providing real security. She emphasizes ICAN's mission to make disarmament accessible, promote the humanitarian impact of nuclear arms, and engage diverse partners worldwide. Fihn critiques the nuclear status quo, attributing it to government and corporate interests that prioritize stability over disarmament, while highlighting ICAN’s commitment to collaborative, adaptable advocacy. Looking ahead, she remains hopeful yet cautious about achieving a world without nuclear weapons, noting the importance of sustained effort from civil society.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

In this interview, Daniel Högsta discusses his journey into ICAN, beginning as a law student interested in public international law, eventually interning with ICAN in 2013, and now working as an advocacy coordinator. He views nuclear weapons as destabilizing and highlights ICAN’s role in advocating for nuclear disarmament through a humanitarian lens, contrasting ICAN's approach with traditional deterrence views. Högsta emphasizes ICAN's unique, coalition-based structure, which collaborates with governments, academics, and civil society, each focusing on eliminating nuclear weapons while complementing the NPT. He is optimistic about the future impact of ICAN’s efforts, even if immediate results may not be visible, and he envisions a world without nuclear weapons as one founded on international norms and cooperation.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Edwick Madzimure, president of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Zimbabwe, discusses her advocacy for nuclear disarmament, linking it to broader issues of peace, gender equality, and climate justice. She emphasizes Africa's overlooked role in uranium mining and the disproportionate effects of nuclear testing and proliferation on the Global South. Madzimure critiques the lack of awareness and political will in African governments toward disarmament, advocating for increased public education, demystification of technical nuclear discourse, and stronger civil society coalitions. She underscores the need for gender-inclusive research and policies, highlighting strides made through WILPF's partnerships and regional collaborations to promote disarmament and address systemic inequities.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

Harald Müller recounts his lifelong interest in nuclear issues, stemming from the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his extensive career at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF). He emphasizes the dual role of nuclear weapons as both a deterrent, especially against threats like Russia's current aggression, and a danger due to the possibility of catastrophic misuse. Müller suggests a multi-faceted approach to nuclear disarmament, advocating for academic input, practical policy steps, and international cooperation, while recognizing that genuine disarmament requires alignment among global powers, including autocratic states. Despite recent geopolitical setbacks, he remains cautiously hopeful for future nuclear arms control, though he stresses the importance of conventional deterrents in a potential nuclear-free world.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.