Ray Acheson reflects on their career in nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the destabilizing role of nuclear weapons and their harmful physical, political, and environmental impacts. They critique the failure of governments, academics, and think tanks to fully embrace nuclear abolition, highlighting instead a focus on incremental reforms that sustain the nuclear establishment. Acheson outlines the unique contributions of Reaching Critical Will, including feminist advocacy, transparency in UN disarmament processes, and impactful treaty work, such as with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). They express cautious optimism about a nuclear-free future, advocating for dismantling militarized security systems while recognizing ongoing challenges like the war in Ukraine. The transcript was lightly edited to ease understanding without any changes in the meaning. Clarifications inserted post-interview have been marked with squared brackets [].

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

Michèle Flournoy discusses her career trajectory, starting with her early interest in nuclear security during the Cold War, which was sparked by the threat of nuclear conflict. She reflects on her work across various think tanks and governmental roles, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan, forward-looking analysis in addressing emerging security challenges. Flournoy highlights the founding of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), which aimed to foster innovative solutions and professional development in national security. She concludes by addressing the persistence of nuclear weapons, the challenges of disarmament, and the importance of adapting policies to multilateral deterrence and emerging threats.

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

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

Tim Sweijs recounts his path to becoming Research Director at The Hague Center for Strategic Studies (HCSS), where he focuses on nuclear deterrence, arms control, and security strategy. He highlights nuclear weapons' role in today’s unstable geopolitical environment, especially post-Ukraine conflict, advocating for robust deterrence protocols and discussing the complexities of nuclear multipolarity. Sweijs explains the function of HCSS in fostering evidence-based security policy and mentions its collaboration with international partners, emphasizing HCSS’s unique positioning within Dutch and broader European defense communities.

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

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.