As the teams here at the Council and at our sister organization, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, continue to track new developments in Ukraine, the nuclear risks of the current crisis remain top of mind.
We know the news about the ongoing conflict can be overwhelming; here is a selection of several interviews featuring our team members over the past few weeks.
NEW PODCAST: THE FUTURE OF NONSTRATEGIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Battlefield nuclear weapons — also called tactical or nonstrategic nuclear weapons — are a continuing topic of conversation in the halls of Congress and inside the Pentagon following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But what are they, are they necessary and why do we keep talking about them? Nukes of Hazard podcast host and Center Policy Analyst Geoff Wilson talks with Jane Vaynman, Assistant Professor in Political Science at Temple University, to discuss their role in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, deterrence and more. Listen online or find Nukes of Hazard wherever you get your podcasts
FAQs: IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL
As negotiations to reinstate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the Iran nuclear deal, continue, Center Research Analyst Samuel Hickey has answered some freqently asked questions about the deal, including what it accomplished, how it manages Iran’s missile program, Russia’s involvement in the deal and why various countries support it.
NEW DATE: A CONVERSATION WITH REP. KATIE PORTER
Join Executive Director John Tierney as he sits down one-on-one with California Congresswoman — and 2022 Council endorsee — Katie Porter for a discussion of Rep. Porter’s current work on our issues, nuclear threats past and present, and why it is so essential for people to get involved in policy through politics. The event will take place May 25, 2022 at 7 p.m. ET via Zoom. There will be a chance to ask Rep. Porter your questions — when registering for the event, be sure to note your question. We look forward to seeing you there!
IMPORTANT OPPOSITION TO SUBMARINE-LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE
House Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Jim Cooper (D-TN) has strongly backed the Biden administration’s decision to abandon a new nuclear-tipped sea-launched cruise missile. In a May 17 statement, he declared, “I commend the Biden administration for its decision to retire the B-83 gravity bomb and forgo a new nuclear sea-launched cruise missile. Adding a life-extension to the B-83 and developing a new SLCM warhead would further strain a National Nuclear Security Administration complex that is already facing significant challenges.”
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis also weighed in this week, saying, “on nuclear weapons, I am concerned about the destabilizing effect of lighter, smaller, and less clear-cut systems—such as the sea launch cruise missile tipped with nuclear weapons. Trying to mix-and-match conventional cruise missiles with systems that have nuclear capability generates real uncertainty in the mind of an opponent, who might overreact and escalate to a nuclear scenario. That is a significant worry.”
GOOD EARLY ELECTION RESULTS
Council for a World-endorsed John Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor, easily won his primary for United States Senate 59-26%. Fetterman’s GOP opponent has not yet been decided, and a recount is expected between two hard-right conservatives who were competing for the GOP nomination. The general election contest is considered a tossup. In addition, Council-endorsed former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley won an easy primary layup, but faces a tough opponent backed by Donald Trump, in Rep. Ted Budd. This race is also considered a tossup.
ENDORSEE FACES TOUGH PRIMARY RUNOFF TUESDAY
Council-backed Jessica Cisneros faces Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) in a primary runoff tomorrow. Cuellar has been called “Trump’s favorite Democrat” while Cisneros opposes new nuclear weapons, favors reducing unnecessary Pentagon spending and supports returning to the Iran nuclear deal. Support her campaign
NEW VIDEO: 60 YEARS OF THE COUNCIL
Next month, the Council will celebrate its 60th anniversary. To acknowledge all the changes that have taken place since the dawn of the nuclear age and to commemorate all of the Council’s accomplishments, we’ve released a new video that we urge you to share with your network.
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