Podcasts about nonproliferation

In 2012, US President Barack Obama stated that the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on its population would cross a red line that would require the US government to reconsider its approach to the civil war then underway in Syria. Syria subsequently used such weapons, creating a policy dilemma for the United States about how to respond to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's violation of the red line.In Coercing Syria on Chemical Weapons (Oxford UP, 2025), Matthew Moran, Wyn Q. Bowen, and Jeffrey W. Knopf examine efforts by the United States, sometimes acting with France and the United Kingdom, to respond to Syria's possession and use of chemical weapons over the course of its civil war. In particular, they focus on US strategy during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, which relied heavily on coercion, including deterrent and compellent variants. As the authors show, policies directed at the ruling Assad regime in Syria attempted to deter chemical weapons attacks and to compel Syria to give up its chemical arsenal with mixed outcomes. Drawing on the existing literature on deterrence and coercive diplomacy to identify three propositions — concerning credibility, motivations, and assurances — the book explains the mixed record of coercive success and failure and examines how effective coercive strategies were at different points and why.Drawing on the most significant attempt in the post-Cold War era to deter the use of a weapon of mass destruction, this book offers theoretical and practical lessons for both security studies scholars and policymakers. Our guest is Professor Jeff Knopf, a Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), where he serves as chair of the M.A. program in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In 2012, US President Barack Obama stated that the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on its population would cross a red line that would require the US government to reconsider its approach to the civil war then underway in Syria. Syria subsequently used such weapons, creating a policy dilemma for the United States about how to respond to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's violation of the red line.In Coercing Syria on Chemical Weapons (Oxford UP, 2025), Matthew Moran, Wyn Q. Bowen, and Jeffrey W. Knopf examine efforts by the United States, sometimes acting with France and the United Kingdom, to respond to Syria's possession and use of chemical weapons over the course of its civil war. In particular, they focus on US strategy during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, which relied heavily on coercion, including deterrent and compellent variants. As the authors show, policies directed at the ruling Assad regime in Syria attempted to deter chemical weapons attacks and to compel Syria to give up its chemical arsenal with mixed outcomes. Drawing on the existing literature on deterrence and coercive diplomacy to identify three propositions — concerning credibility, motivations, and assurances — the book explains the mixed record of coercive success and failure and examines how effective coercive strategies were at different points and why.Drawing on the most significant attempt in the post-Cold War era to deter the use of a weapon of mass destruction, this book offers theoretical and practical lessons for both security studies scholars and policymakers. Our guest is Professor Jeff Knopf, a Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), where he serves as chair of the M.A. program in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

In 2012, US President Barack Obama stated that the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on its population would cross a red line that would require the US government to reconsider its approach to the civil war then underway in Syria. Syria subsequently used such weapons, creating a policy dilemma for the United States about how to respond to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's violation of the red line.In Coercing Syria on Chemical Weapons (Oxford UP, 2025), Matthew Moran, Wyn Q. Bowen, and Jeffrey W. Knopf examine efforts by the United States, sometimes acting with France and the United Kingdom, to respond to Syria's possession and use of chemical weapons over the course of its civil war. In particular, they focus on US strategy during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, which relied heavily on coercion, including deterrent and compellent variants. As the authors show, policies directed at the ruling Assad regime in Syria attempted to deter chemical weapons attacks and to compel Syria to give up its chemical arsenal with mixed outcomes. Drawing on the existing literature on deterrence and coercive diplomacy to identify three propositions — concerning credibility, motivations, and assurances — the book explains the mixed record of coercive success and failure and examines how effective coercive strategies were at different points and why.Drawing on the most significant attempt in the post-Cold War era to deter the use of a weapon of mass destruction, this book offers theoretical and practical lessons for both security studies scholars and policymakers. Our guest is Professor Jeff Knopf, a Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), where he serves as chair of the M.A. program in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

In 2012, US President Barack Obama stated that the Syrian government's use of chemical weapons on its population would cross a red line that would require the US government to reconsider its approach to the civil war then underway in Syria. Syria subsequently used such weapons, creating a policy dilemma for the United States about how to respond to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's violation of the red line.In Coercing Syria on Chemical Weapons (Oxford UP, 2025), Matthew Moran, Wyn Q. Bowen, and Jeffrey W. Knopf examine efforts by the United States, sometimes acting with France and the United Kingdom, to respond to Syria's possession and use of chemical weapons over the course of its civil war. In particular, they focus on US strategy during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, which relied heavily on coercion, including deterrent and compellent variants. As the authors show, policies directed at the ruling Assad regime in Syria attempted to deter chemical weapons attacks and to compel Syria to give up its chemical arsenal with mixed outcomes. Drawing on the existing literature on deterrence and coercive diplomacy to identify three propositions — concerning credibility, motivations, and assurances — the book explains the mixed record of coercive success and failure and examines how effective coercive strategies were at different points and why.Drawing on the most significant attempt in the post-Cold War era to deter the use of a weapon of mass destruction, this book offers theoretical and practical lessons for both security studies scholars and policymakers. Our guest is Professor Jeff Knopf, a Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), where he serves as chair of the M.A. program in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

PRVIEW FOR LATER: Henry Sokolski from the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center evaluates threats to nuclear plantsin Iran and Israel. Striking these facilities could cause radiological releases requiring massive civilian evacuations. (5)1945 TRINITY

HEADLINE: Erosion of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) GUEST: Henry Sokolski The integrity of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been compromised by "whispering campaigns" and policy waivers, notably the U.S. agreement with India. By allowing India to receive civil nuclear energy benefits despite possessing nuclear weapons, the international community signaled it would prioritize business interests over treaty enforcement. This precedent makes it harder to hold other signatories, such as Iran, accountable for their own potential violations. (8)1945 THE GADGET

### Segment 7 Headline: Nuclear Proliferation Challenges and the Future of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Summary:Henry Sokolski discusses China's nuclear ramp-up, the upcoming NPT review conference, and how the war in Iranimpacts global efforts to control nuclear weapons spread. Guest: Henry Sokolski Number: 7 (7)1954 B-36

One of Donald Trump's stated reasons for going to war with Iran is to destroy the nuclear threat he says it poses.  But by starting the conflict has he made the world less safe? There are concerns around what happens to Iran's enriched nuclear material and the lessons other countries will take from Iran's being hit while remaining at the threshold short of getting a bomb.Today, Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association on why it could all lead to more nuclear weapons around the world.Featured: Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association

Henry Sokolski reports that military laser tests accidentally downed a border drone, while Russia uses propaganda about NATO nuclear deployments to influence upcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty reviews at the UN. 16.1956

For 15 years, the New Start treaty bound the United States and Russia to curb their nuclear arsenals – until it expired earlier this month. Researcher Benoit Pelopidas tells RFI what hope remains for disarmament now that there are no longer fixed limits on the world's two largest nuclear powers. In what could mark a major turning point in the history of arms control, New Start expired on 5 February. Neither US President Donald Trump nor his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has shown interest in renewing it.  The treaty was signed between the United States and Russia on 8 April 2010 and came into force on 5 February 2011. Initially planned to last 10 years, it was extended for another five in 2021. Its goal was to limit each side to 800 missile launchers and 1,550 nuclear warheads, with the two countries authorised to inspect each other's stockpiles. It was never a global treaty. Other countries signed up to the broader Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which came into force in 1970 and now has 191 parties, including the US and Russia. But Washington and Moscow also had bilateral arms control agreements in place continuously since 1972 – until now, notes Benoît Pelopidas, an expert on nuclear threats at Sciences Po university in Paris. "But it would be false to deduce from that that the arms race has not started yet and might start now," he tells RFI.  "There are reasons to think that the arms race started as early as the spring of 2010." Europe confronts ‘new nuclear reality' as Macron signals broader deterrence role 'Possible acceleration' Even before New Start expired, implementation of the treaty deteriorated over time, culminating in Russia suspending its participation in 2023. "And now we're at a full level where it's no longer implemented at all," says Pelopidas. "It's new diplomatically, and it enables the possible acceleration of an ongoing arms race." NATO called for "restraint and responsibility" after the treaty expired. "Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and coercive signals on nuclear matters reveal a posture of strategic intimidation," an official told French news agency AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. "NATO will continue to take the measures necessary to ensure its credibility and the effectiveness of its overall deterrence and defence position." The Kremlin had proposed continuing to comply with New Start's limits until February 2027, but the White House did not respond. Moscow considers the treaty's expiration "a negative development", Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We express our regret in this regard." China shuns calls to enter nuclear talks after US-Russia treaty lapses Disarmament still possible According to Pelopidas, disarmament is possible and has been partially achieved before, especially in the early 1990s after the end of the Cold War.  "In 1991, we had 58,000 nuclear weapons on the planet. And we're now at a level of roughly 12,000 in 2025, which is a massive decrease," he says.  "We have, between 1986 and today, dismantled or retired over 80 percent of the existing arsenal in the world. So it is not materially impossible to dismantle or disarm." The world's remaining nuclear stockpile still has the potential to wreak huge destruction, he stresses, a fact that he believes should drive all nuclear powers to work towards de-escalation. "If the theory of nuclear winter is correct, a so-called limited nuclear war between India and Pakistan that led to the explosion of 100 Hiroshima-sized bombs – that is, roughly 1 percent of the existing arsenal – would lead to the death of 2 billion people by starvation due to its indirect consequences over two years," Pelopidas says. "That's how destructive the capacity of the existing arsenal is." Episode mixed by Erwan Rome.

Henry Sokolski notes amidst expired treaties, the US reintroduces extended deterrence language and recommits to the NPT, though non-proliferation enforcement remains inconsistent and challenging against determined adversaries.DECEMBER 1956

For more than five decades, nuclear arms control treaties were enforced between Russia and the US until this week. The last agreement has been allowed to lapse without a new one to replace it. So, why has this happened, and what are the dangers? In this episode: Thomas Countryman, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation under the Obama administration Rebecca E Johnson, Co-founder and first President of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Nikolai Sokov, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Andrea Stricker evaluates the stressed Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of a review conference, noting Middle Eastproliferation risks and the challenge of deterring near-peer adversaries in an evolving threat environment.1940

Andrea Stricker argues the Non-Proliferation Treaty remains historically effective in limiting nuclear states, despite current stresses and the outlier of North Korea which escaped the regime's constraints.1952

Warnings Against a US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Colleague Andrea Stricker warns against a US-Saudi nuclear deal that allows uranium enrichment, advocating for the "gold standard" of non-proliferation, arguing any agreement must include the Additional Protocol for inspections and ensure the US retains a right of return for nuclear materials.

120 Jahre und zwei Weltkriege sind vergangen, seit die österreichische Pazifistin und Autorin Bertha von Suttner den Friedensnobelpreis erhielt.Aktuell erleben wir ein globales Aufrüsten. Über Atomwaffen, KI und vernünftige Regularien spricht Monika Fischer mit dem Abrüstungsexperten Alexander Kmentt. Er leitete bis Ende November 2025 die Abteilung für Abrüstung, Rüstungskontrolle und Nonproliferation im Außenministerium, seit 1. Dezember ist er ständiger Vertreter Österreichs bei den Vereinten Nationen in Genf. 

US Greenlights ROK Enrichment, Raising Proliferation Fears Guest: Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center The US agreement to support the Republic of South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses is viewed by Sokolski as a movement toward proliferation. Sokolski notes that this decision greenlights the ROK—a treaty ally with a history of attempting to use its civil programs to make nuclear weapons—to a position similar to Iran's. The ROK successfully leveraged the inconsistency of US policy, pointing out that Japan has permission to enrich and reprocess fuel and possesses a massive plutonium stockpile. Granting the ROK these capabilities sets a concerning precedent, potentially compelling the US to allow other countries like Saudi Arabia to seek similar nuclear options. The proliferation concern is heightened further by the ROK's desire for a nuclear-powered submarine, which could lead to pursuit of a full nuclear weapons triad. 1958

Should Pope Leo endorse a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at COP30? Climate Pilgrim Episode 2: Dr. Kumi Naidoo 'cautiously optimistic' the Vatican and others will add up to 44 countries endorsing Treaty initiative by landmark April conference in Colombia. More detail at climatepilgrim.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the bombing of nuclear facilities. Sokolski also discusses the proposed Golden Dome defense system, intended to protect the Western Hemisphere against missiles and drones. The viability of the system, particularly regarding Low Earth Orbit defenses, remains unclear and requires greater Congressional buy-in.

NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the bombing of nuclear facilities. Sokolski also discusses the proposed Golden Dome defense system, intended to protect the Western Hemisphere against missiles and drones. The viability of the system, particularly regarding Low Earth Orbit defenses, remains unclear and requires greater Congressional buy-in. 1945

More than three years into Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our European allies are reconsidering whether or not frozen Russian assets, totaling $300 billion on the continent, can be used to help Ukraine. As part of a broader brought about by the Trump Administration, Western countries are finally prepared to act in concert to overcome financial concerns, investment retaliation, and collective action challenges in supporting Ukraine. In addition, the Cuba-oriented Helms-Burton Act provides useful precedent for the options on the table to further pressure the Russian economy. With the noose tightening via proposed oil sanctions, potential Tomahawk missiles, and mobilized transatlantic support for Ukraine, what choices does Putin have left? Will he be forced to face the music? And what will ultimately bring him to the negotiating table?Stephen Rademaker currently serves as Senior of Counsel at Covington and Burling LLP, helping clients navigate international policy, sanctions, and CFIUS challenges. With over 20 years of experience working on national security issues in the White House, the State Department, and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Stephen served as an Assistant Secretary of State from 2002 through 2006 and headed three bureaus of the State Department, including the Bureau of Arms Control and the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

HEADLINE: Interpretations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Iran's Nuclear Program GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski SUMMARY: Henry Sokolski discusses his article questioning Iran's interpretation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The debate centers on whether a country suspected of being a weapons maker has the right to enrich uranium, given the NPT's language concerning "peaceful" use. Iran claims Article 4 permits any activity claimed to be civilian. 1852 TEHRAN

Visit us at Network2020.org. In June, strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran's nuclear facilities reignited one of the most dangerous questions in global security: how do you stop a country determined to keep its nuclear options open? What followed has tested not only Iran's willingness to abide by international limits, but also the credibility of the entire nonproliferation system.In this episode, Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association, explains how Iran's program reached this point, what the strikes may have changed inside Tehran, and why the erosion of global arms control frameworks makes this moment so precarious. She also explores what tools—old and new—might still contain the risk of a wider nuclear cascade.Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay.

NPT: Answering with the Nonproliferation Enforcement Initiative. Henry Sokolski, NPEC 1957

NPT: Answering with the Nonproliferation Enforcement Initiative. Henry Sokolski, NPEC continued 1958

Send me a messageIn this replay episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I revisit one of the most urgent and eye-opening conversations I've hosted - my conversation with Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative.We dig into the uncomfortable truth: while governments champion renewables and set emissions targets, fossil fuel exploration and extraction are still expanding at a pace that locks in climate chaos. Tzeporah explains why climate policy has largely ignored the supply side of the equation, how subsidies distort markets, and why the Paris Agreement doesn't even mention fossil fuels. Her insight is blunt, what we build today will be what we use tomorrow.Tzeporah outlines the vision for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, modelled on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, that could create international rules to phase out production fairly and equitably. We explore the role of debt-for-renewables swaps for the Global South, how equity must be baked into any transition, and why simply building “the good stuff” without constraining “the bad stuff” will never deliver climate safety.We also discuss how to shift public perception, challenge the fossil industry's greenwashing, and confront the false comfort of net zero targets. Tzeporah makes it clear: action is the antidote to despair, and citizens have more power than they think.This is not just a debate about emissions, but about survival, justice, and reshaping the rules of the global economy. If you care about ending fossil fuel expansion, ensuring a just transition, and accelerating real climate solutions, this episode is essential listening.

Adam, Curtis, and Jim answer questions from a listener and discuss the historical context and implications of nuclear deterrence, the environmental impact of the nuclear enterprise, and the effectiveness of non-proliferation efforts. They explore the balance between security and environmental concerns, the lessons learned from past nuclear policies, and the ongoing debate about the necessity and morality of nuclear weapons in international relations.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

Preview: Nonproliferation Treaty 1970: Colleague Henry Sokolski comments on the ineffectiveness of bombing suspect nuclear weapons programs. More. 1953

In this episode, Adam interviews Pranay Vaddi, who shares his experiences working at the National Security Council (NSC) and his insights into nuclear policy and arms control. Vaddi discusses the daily operations at the NSC, the challenges of elevating nuclear issues within the government, and the importance of collaboration among various agencies. He also reflects on the evolution of the NSC, the dynamics of working within the bureaucracy, and the demanding nature of the job. Vaddi emphasizes the need for future leaders to engage in discussions and share their ideas to address pressing national security challenges.Pranay Vaddi is currently a Senior Nuclear Fellow in the Center for Nuclear Security Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From May 2022 to January 2025, he served as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council. Prior to this, he served as a senior advisor in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance at the Department of State, where coordinated the Department's inputs for the Biden Nuclear Posture Review. Previously, he was a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where his research focused on U.S. nuclear posture, arms control policy, and Congress' role in arms control. He served for several years at the U.S. Department of State coordinating policy on the New START and INF treaties, and joined numerous arms control delegations. He has testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and before the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

TRINITY TEST: AND NONPROLIFERATION. HENRY SOKOLSKI 1945 TRINITY TEST

TRINITY TEST: AND NONPROLIFERATION. HENRY SOKOLSKI CONTINUED 1945 TRINITY TEST

What impact will US and Israeli air strikes on Iran have on global non-proliferation efforts? How is Trump reshaping the US's leadership in nuclear non-proliferation? Could shifting international security dynamics encourage countries like South Korea or Japan to pursue nuclear weapons programs? In this episode, Michael Cohen and Maria Rost Rublee join David Andrews to discuss how recent strikes on Iran have brought nuclear non-proliferation back to the forefront of international policy debates.Michael Cohen is Associate Professor and Academic Director at the ANU National Security College (NSC)Maria Rost Rublee is Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne and an Executive Committee member of Women in Nuclear-AustraliaDavid Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSCTRANSCRIPTShow notes Nuclear Matters podcastTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)International Atomic Energy AgencyNuclear Suppliers Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send me a messageMost climate policies focus on cutting emissions. But what if the real issue is what's being left off the table, fossil fuel production itself?In this week's episode of Climate Confident, I speak with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about why global climate goals are doomed if we keep expanding fossil fuel supply while trying to cut demand.Tzeporah explains how the Paris Agreement never once mentions the words “oil,” “gas,” or “coal”, despite 86% of emissions coming directly from them. She lays out the case for a global treaty to phase out fossil fuel production, how countries like Colombia are already stepping up, and why we need a just transition framework that includes debt relief and international cooperation.We discuss:Why fossil fuel expansion continues despite climate pledgesThe $7 trillion in annual subsidies distorting energy marketsThe role of Global South nations and equity in the energy transitionHow “net zero” has been weaponised as a delay tacticAnd why renewables alone won't solve the crisis unless we stop digging the hole deeperThis is a frank look at what it really takes to deliver on climate targets, and why we can't keep ignoring the supply side of the problem.

On June 13th, Israel launched attacks on several military and nuclear facilities in Iran, marking the beginning of a 12-day war between the two countries. The United States followed with targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and posing a threat to regional and global stability. China's involvement in the conflict was limited to condemning the Israeli and US use of military force and calling for de-escalation. Beijing offered only rhetorical support for Tehran. To discuss what the Israel-Iran war reveals about China's relationship with Iran, its evolving strategy in the Middle East, and the broader implications for US-China competition, we are joined by Yun Sun on the podcast today. Yun is a Senior Fellow, co-Director of the East Asia Program and Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center. Her recent piece in The Wire China entitled “How China Sees Iran's Future” offers provides a nuanced take on Beijing's calculus during and after the war. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:34] China's Diplomatic Strategy Toward the Middle East[05:00] A Limited Chinese Response and China's Regional Role[08:19] Chinese Perceptions of Iran's External Strategic Blunders[15:00] Trickling Chinese Investment into Iran[20:10] Chinese Concerns About a Nuclearized Iran[25:09] Implications of the Israel-Iran War for China's Energy Security[32:04] Trump's Response Shaping Chinese Views of the United States 

In this emergency episode (unedited), Alex speaks with Andrea Stricker, an expert on nuclear energy and proliferation, about the recent developments in Iran's nuclear program following military strikes. They discuss the implications of these strikes, Iran's proximity to developing nuclear weapons, and the potential risks of nuclear accidents. The conversation also covers international reactions, the role of the IAEA, and the future dynamics between the US and Israel in addressing nuclear threats.Download full transcript here - https://throughconversations.kit.com/cc8d48aa87Andrea Stricker is deputy director of FDD's Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program and an FDD research fellow. She is an expert on nuclear weapons proliferation and counterproliferation, open-source proliferation and policy analysis and strategic commodity trafficking.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Crisis in Iran02:47 Impact of Recent Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Program05:50 Iran's Proximity to Nuclear Weapons08:52 Concerns Over Future Nuclear Proliferation12:05 Risks of Nuclear Accidents15:06 International Reactions and Implications17:52 The Role of the IAEA and Future Monitoring21:03 Post-Ceasefire Dynamics and Red Flags23:50 Future Collaborations Between the US and Israel26:45 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life -⁠⁠ https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠https://throughconversations.com⁠⁠Substack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ThruConvPodcast⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https:⁠//www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

Sara Firth, Foreign Correspondent based in Washington and John Erath, Senior Policy Director for the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation

After days and weeks of uncertainty, the United States struck Iran's most fortified nuclear site — the crown jewel, Fordow — along with Natanz and Esfahan. The attack capped a week of Israeli operations that shattered key components of Iran's nuclear program and eliminated top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Are we witnessing the final chapter of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program unfold before our eyes?Tune in to FDD's Emergency SITREP with Executive Director Jonathan Schanzer, CEO Mark Dubowitz, Deputy Director for Nonproliferation and Biodefense Andrea Stricker, and Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation Senior Director RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery for real-time analysis of the fallout.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/06/21/fdd-sitrep-us-bombs-iran-nuclear-sites/

Iran is accused by Israel of pursuing a nuclear weapons program, and President Trump is weighing US military intervention. In this episode we chart the history of nuclear non-proliferation, and assess Iran in light of it.

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen is joined by Dr. William Potter to explore the escalating risks and eroding norms surrounding nuclear weapons in today's fractured global order. As traditional arms control mechanisms falter and new technologies complicate deterrence, Dr. Potter outlines the mounting dangers of miscalculation, norm erosion, and geopolitical mistrust in nuclear decision-making.Drawing on decades of firsthand experience, from every NPT Review Conference since 1995 to advising the United Nations, Dr. Potter walks us through critical developments including Russia's nuclear signaling, China's evolving posture, and the destabilizing potential of non-state actors. From radiological weapons to AI-enabled crisis simulations, this conversation highlights how fragile the global nuclear architecture has become, and what it will take to rebuild trust and transparency.Dr. William Potter is the Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies and Founding Director of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at MIIS. He has served on the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters and participated in every major NPT negotiation since 1995. He is the author or editor of over 20 books, including his latest: Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs.Related Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Book: Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs (Stanford Universityi Press, 2023).The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge. Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.Tell us what you liked!

PREVIEW: Colleague Henry Sokolski of Non-Proliferation Education Center comments on the possibility that Iran will withdraw from the NPT as did North Korea—and build a bomb quickly. More. 1955 NEVADA TEST RANGE

THE REGIONAL RAMIFICATIONS OF U.S.-SAUDI NUCLEAR COOPERATIONHEADLINE 1: Tehran's oil-for-missiles pipeline to Beijing just got sanctioned.HEADLINE 2: Israel targeted Muhammad Sinwar in a strike yesterday HEADLINE 3: Yesterday, President Trump announced that he's lifting sanctions on Syria to — quote — “give them a chance at greatness” — end quote.--FDD Senior Research Analyst Natalie Ecanow provides timely updates and analysis, followed by a conversation between Jonathan Schanzer and Andrea Stricker, deputy director of FDD's Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program.Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

I am joined by first-time guest Marik Von Rennenkampf, a former analyst with the US Department of State's Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation and an Obama administration appointee at the US Department of Defense. Now a journalist, Marik regularly contributes to outlets like The Hill and has appeared in Skywatcher's recent video.  Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:13 Marick's Journey into UFOs 06:10 Government Roles and UFO Interest 09:45 National Security and Drone Incursions 30:15 Skywatcher and Private Sector Involvement 34:51 Exploring the Psionic Side 35:04 Skywatcher Operations and Tech Focus 36:13 Public Perception and Media Sensationalism 38:18 Timeline and Footage Clarification 43:29 Whistleblowers and Government Involvement 46:47 Tic-Tac Video Analysis 50:01 Underwater Anomalies and Transmedium Travel 58:34 Mainstream Media's Disengagement 01:00:41 Predictions and Final Thoughts Check out Marik: https://x.com/MvonRen Get in touch with the show: Twitter: @UFOUAPAM Facebook, YouTube & Instagram: "That UFO Podcast" YouTube: ⁠⁠YouTube.com/c/ThatUFOPodcast⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠UFOUAPAM@gmail.com All podcast links & associated links: ⁠⁠Linktr.ee/ufouapam⁠ ThatUFOPodcast.com⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe, like and leave a review of the show Enjoy folks, Andy

WAYS OF KNOWING: A NAVAJO NUCLEAR HISTORY tells the story of the impact of uranium mining on the Navajo community. This film is a unique collaboration between a Navajo storyteller Sunny Dooley and nuclear nonproliferation expert Lovely Umayam where the story of US nuclear history is told through an indigenous lens. This means telling the story of how nuclear policy has impacted Navajo land, but also on the intergenerational impact on the Navajo people. The fully immersive quality of 360 video allows Dooley to preserve the full context of how she would tell the story to her community. This was my favorite interview from SXSW 2025 as it is another great example of how the immersive quality of VR is able to capture and transmit indigenous ways of knowing, and how this indigenous perspective is also changing how nuclear nonproliferation experts are thinking about these nuclear policy issues. This film would also not be able to be told the same way if it was only 180 degrees, and it is a prescient example of the affordances of VR to be able to tell the story of a place with its full relational context. This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon. Music: Fatality

Nuclear weapons have changed the nature of modern warfare and exerted a profound impact on international politics. The Cold War logic of nuclear deterrence maintains that nuclear-armed states will not attack one another because of fear of massive retaliation, or mutually assured destruction. By this logic, nuclear weapons promote stability and can prevent war.At the same time, however, nuclear weapons created a new dilemma. That is: “How can a state achieve its political objectives through military force without triggering a catastrophic nuclear exchange?”This is a dilemma faced by all countries, especially nuclear powers. States have responded differently to this dilemma. What is China's answer to this strategic dilemma? What has Beijing been doing to gain strategic leverage? How should we evaluate the success of China's approach so far?These issues are the subject of a new book titled Under the Nuclear Shadow: China's Information Age Weapons in International Security. The author, Fiona Cunningham, joins host Bonnie Glaser for this episode. Fiona is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a Faculty Fellow at Perry World House and affiliated with the Center for the Study of Contemporary China and the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics at the University of Pennsylvania. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:59] How do countries cope with the limited war dilemma?[04:00] China's Approach of Strategic Substitution[07:24] Adoption of this Third Approach[11:23] Utilizing Information-Age Weapons[15:49] From Brinksmanship to Calibrated Escalation[21:21] Understanding China's No First Use Posture[26:27] Following China's Model [30:42] An American Response

Preview: Colleague Henry Sokolski of Non-Proliferation Education Center reports that the US is watching ally South Korea, because there is talk of arming with nukes. More. 1958 KIM

#NONPROLiFERATION: Russia threatens South Korea and Japan nucler power sites in the event of war. Henry Sokolski, NPEC 1949 Kim in Moscow

PREVIEW: NUKES: Colleague Henry Sokolski of Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center, comments on the hard choice for the new presidency to choose between the Air Force, Space Force and the nuclear force. More tonight. 1952

IRAN: IAEA TO TEHRAN. Orde Kittrie is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a leading expert on international law, nonproliferation, and sanctions policy. A former U.S. State Department legal advisor, he has extensive experience in addressing Iran's nuclear program and related security issues. 1500

IRAN: IAEA TO TEHRAN. Orde Kittrie is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a leading expert on international law, nonproliferation, and sanctions policy. A former U.S. State Department legal advisor, he has extensive experience in addressing Iran's nuclear program and related security issues. 1400

 Behnam Ben Taleblu is a Research Fellow where he focuses on Iranian security and political issues. Mr. Taleblu previously served as a Senior Iran Analyst at FDD. Prior to his time at FDD, Mr. Taleblu worked on non-proliferation issues at an arms control think-tank in Washington. 1543