Best Nuclear Disarmament Podcasts (2024)

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Nuclear Disarmament v. Nuclear Abolition | Ep. 193 1:02:58

25d ago1:02:58

1:02:58

What are the differences between nuclear disarmament and nuclear abolition? How do disarmers and abolitionists balance the need for policy change with the need for sustainable, intersectional organizing? In this episode, Jasmine Owens discusses how Black and Indigenous thinkers inform her vision for the future of the nuclear abolition movement. She…

1
Episode 82. Jerusalem Archeology: Jodi Magness 1:42:51

2d ago1:42:51

1:42:51

Archeology is the science that most directly connects us with our past, and no city in the world has been subject to more archeological interest than Jerusalem. With us to explore the archeology of Jerusalem is Jodi Magness. Jodi is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Since 2002, she has been the Kenan Distinguished Professor for…

1
Major David Phillips - Taking Bold Action for Strategic Stability in East Asia 33:58

3d ago33:58

33:58

Major David Phillips discusses his article on the feasibility, acceptability, and suitability of redeploying non-strategic nuclear weapons to South Korea. He highlights the need for the US to re-examine its policy goal of achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and suggests that the redeployment of nuclear weapons would strengthen deterr…

1
MAGA foreign policy influencers, democratic party contradictions, manufacturing fetishes | Ep. 195 49:00

7d ago49:00

49:00

The MAGA foreign-policy braintrust in Trump world is militarism all the way down. The unpopularity of the Democratic Party's popular front. The problem with threat inflation about disinformation. A defense budget out of control. And why Washington's manufacturing fetish is key to a convergence of jingoism, patriarchy, and oligarchy. Further Reading…

1
Lieutenant General James Kowalski, USAF (Ret) Part 2 - Challenges and Accomplishments of Air Force Global Strike Command 39:29

8d ago39:29

39:29

Part 2 of this history of Air Force Global Strike Command features former Commander Jim Kowalski. He discusses the challenges and accomplishments of standing up the Global Strike Command. The conversation covers topics such as basing decisions, culture change, resourcing, and the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear force. Lt. Gen. Kowalski e…

1
BONUS - Thomas Jay Oord LIVE at SCM Supporters and Members Event in Leeds 59:28

10d ago59:28

59:28

In this special episode William interviews theologian Thomas Jay Oord at our live supporters and members event which happened in Leeds in August this year. They discuss Tom's recent trial in the Church of the Nazarene for his advocating for full LGBTQ+ inclusion as well as aspects of open and relational theology. You can find out more about Thomas …

1
Lieutenant General James Kowalski, USAF (Ret) Part 1 - The Creation of Air Force Global Strike Command 35:51

10d ago35:51

35:51

In this Legacy Series, Lt. Gen. James Kowalski discusses the creation of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in response to incidents that highlighted the need for improved nuclear enterprise management. The incidents included the accidental shipment of warheads and fuses, which raised concerns about operational oversight and surety processes. …

1
Anti-War Organizing, Student Activism, and the Uncommitted Movement | Ep. 194 58:11

13d ago58:11

58:11

The election is nearing, and students are going back to school. What does this mean for student organizers demanding a ceasefire in Gaza? For the uncommitted movement? In this episode, Julia facilitates an intergenerational conversation about anti-war organizing. Guests Phyllis Bennis and Roua Daas reflect on campus demonstrations in the spring and…

1
Lucian Niemeyer: Promoting Advanced Nuclear Reactor Deployment 36:07

17d ago36:07

36:07

The Honorable Lucian Niemeyer, a leading voice in the policymaking community for advanced nuclear capabilities, discusses the work of the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power), a non-profit entity since 2021, in promoting advanced nuclear reactor deployment. He emphasizes the importance of nuclear power for grid reliability and c…

1
Andrew Metrick and Philip Sheers - Escalation Management in a Protracted War 38:45

24d ago38:45

38:45

Guest host, Jim Howe, interviews Andrew Metrick and Phil Shears from the Center for New American Security (CNAS) on escalation management in a protracted war with China. They discuss the implications of a potential conflict with China and the need for the US to adapt its deterrence strategies. The researchers conducted tabletop exercises to explore…

1
Fei-Ling Wang, Ph.D. - China Transforming the World Order 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

Professor Fei-Ling Wang tells NucleCast about his new book, 'The China Race: Global Competition for Alternative World Orders.' He argues that the United States and China are engaged in a global competition that goes beyond relative power and influence. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to transform the world order into a hierarchical system w…

1
Understanding Primacy: Hegemonicon Podcast Cross-over | Ep. 192 1:23:14

1M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

Cross-promotion! Van Jackson joined the Hegemonicon podcast and is sharing the experience here with Un-Diplomatic listeners. Van and show host William Lawrence discuss the dangerous strategy of global primacy that drives US foreign policy from many angles. What are the contradictions in US industrial policy? How does primacy relate to China and gre…

1
Episode 81. Nuclear Disarmament: Steve Fetter 1:40:27

1M ago1:40:27

1:40:27

Today I speak with Steve Fetter about his work on a variety of nuclear disarmament efforts, including the Black Sea Experiment, nuclear archeology, the risks associated with a single person having the ability to start a nuclear war, ballistic missile defense, the weaponization of space, nuclear energy, and climate change. Steve received an SB in ph…

1
Gaza and the Moral Question of Public Service | Ep. 191 37:14

1M ago37:14

37:14

"This is what courage looks like." Today Matt talks to three people -- two Biden appointees and one career military -- who made the courageous choice to resign in protest over US support for the Gaza war. We hear from each of them how they came to work in the administration, how they made the decision to leave it, and how that choice has impacted t…

1
Bryan Clark - Rethinking the Approach to Deterrence: The Need for Force Design Planning 34:33

1M ago34:33

34:33

In this episode of NucleCast, Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, talks about the challenges and implications of nuclear modernization. They discuss the growing threats from China, Russia, and other countries, and the need for the United States to rethink its approach to deterrence. They also explore the budget constraints and acq…

1
The Truth About Venezuela, w/ Michael Paarlberg and Maria Espinosa | Ep. 190 32:25

1M ago32:25

32:25

What just happened in Venezuela? Matt Duss is joined by two great Latin America experts to talk about Maduro's very shady re-election, and how the US should respond. Paarlberg's piece: https://internationalpolicy.org/publications/venezuelas-people-not-government-deserve-solidarity/ Michael Paarlberg is an associate professor of political science at…

1
Bruce Klingner - Recent Developments in U.S.-South Korea Relations 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Bruce Klingner is a Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an expert on South Korea and North Korea. He discusses the recent developments in the relationship between the United States and South Korea, including the Washington declaration and the NATO summit. He also explores the topic of South Korea's potential nuclearization and the level of…

1
Kamala’s Opportunity, War on the Homeless, Trade Wife Resurgence, Economic Nationalism, Netanyahu’s Nonsense 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

J.D. Vance imagines a global color line. Kamala Harris has an unprecedented opportunity to move beyond primacy and embrace a progressive foreign policy—will she take it? Biden's claim that America is no longer at war is at odds with...facts. Netanyahu's speech to Congress was evil but says something important about how the Democratic Party has chan…

1
Dave Jonas and Patrick Rhoads - The Challenges of Nuclear Disarmament 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam interviews Pat Rhoads and Dave Jonas, who have been writing a series of articles on nuclear issues. They discuss the strategic environment, the potential for nuclear disarmament, and the challenges of nuclear modernization. David S. Jonas is a partner at the law firm of Fluet, Huber & Hoang (FH+H). His practi…

1
Myanmar’s Gen Z Revolutionaries on an Everyday Grind | Ep. 188 1:08:39

2M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

What can a revolution with progressive values look like? What kinds of non-violent resistance against oppression are possible? And what does everyday guerilla warfare do to people with humanist commitments? Dr. Justine Chambers talks about her new research with co-author Saw Ner Dhu Da, understanding how Myanmar's Gen Z led a nationwide revolution …

1
Jonathan Ventura - Unlocking Opportunities: Bringing Talent to the National Security Field 34:42

2M ago34:42

34:42

Jonathan Ventura, a career coach at Montana State University, discusses his efforts to bring talented students into the nuclear weapons complex and national security field. He emphasizes the importance of helping students understand the wide range of opportunities available to them, regardless of their academic discipline. Ventura also highlights t…

1
Episode 80. Soviet Nuclear Program: Thomas Cochran 2:07:46

2M ago2:07:46

2:07:46

Today we focus on the Soviet nuclear program with Thomas Cochran. Tom directed nuclear disarmament projects at the Natural Resources Defense Council from 1973 until his retirement in 2016. He has received numerous awards for his work on nuclear disarmament, including the public service award from the Federation of American Scientists and the Szilar…

1
Live: Biden's Electoral Crisis, Foreign Policy Gaslighting | Ep. 187 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

The vegetable versus the fascist? The Democratic Party is in chaos. Why AOC and the Squad back Biden (for now). Biden's Trumpian turn. The truth about Biden's foreign policy record.By Van Jackson

1
Jeremy Prichard - The History of 20th Air Force 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

Dr. Jeremy Prichard, the command historian at 20th Air Force, discusses the history of 20th Air Force, its origins, transition to the ICBM force, and the challenges faced in fielding the ICBMs. He also shares insights on the Minuteman 3 deployment, the Peacekeeper, and the challenges of modernizing the infrastructure for the Sentinel program. Dr. J…

1
Kamala Harris and the Race to Replace Biden | Ep. 186 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

An emergency live episode of the Un-Diplomatic podcast. Van explains the situation the Democratic Party faces: who will replace Biden, why it's likely Kamala Harris, why Bernie should be her running mate, and what all that means for foreign policy. Livestream on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSc9-8Qra5w&t=842s Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: h…

1
S3 Ep. 8 Christian Leftist Politics with the Magnificast 41:16

2M ago41:16

41:16

In this episode William is joined by Dean Detloff and Matt Bernico, hosts of the Magnificast. They discuss Christianity and leftist politics, the concept and place of solidarity, the relationship between theory and action and more. Magnificast on X Magnificast merch store Connect with SCM on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Lindell Lucy - The Journey From Teacher to Nuclear Deterrence Advocate 37:35

2M ago37:35

37:35

Lindell Lucy shares his journey from teaching history in Hawaii to becoming interested in nuclear weapons and international security, particularly in the context of Taiwan's geopolitical situation. He discusses the need for nuclear deterrence and the potential acquisition of nuclear weapons by Taiwan as a means of self-defense against China's coerc…

1
S3 Ep. 7 - Church Politics with Nic Tall from Together for the CofE 32:46

3M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode William speaks with Nic Tall from together for the CofE about Church governance and politics within the Church of England, the importance of voting, living in love and faith and more. Find out more about together for the CofE here. Connect with SCM on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Muhammad Faisal - Pakistan's Nuclear Program 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Mohammed Faisal about Pakistan's nuclear program. Faisal provides a brief history of Pakistan's nuclear program, starting from the 1960s when Pakistan and India went to war over Kashmir. He explains that Pakistan's decision to pursue a nuclear option was driven by the perceived threat from India and the…

1
TYPHON, FATHER OF MONSTERS 32:19

3M ago32:19

32:19

Jeffrey and his team have been OSINT'ing the heck out of the deployment of the Typhon Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) ((Typhon Smurf?)) to the Philippines, and tracked down the airport and deployment zone. Recently the U.S. Army deployed the new Typhon SMRF system to the Philippines as part of an exercise, raising the ire of both the Russian and C…

1
Russian Entanglement 27:43

3M ago27:43

27:43

Tom Schelling described escalation as a "curved slope" where you won't be able to predict when the final drop occurs, and Ukraine targeting an early warning radar in Russia certainly is at least a few steps down that slop. Jeffrey and Aaron sit down at the intersection of "legitimate conventional military target" and "direct cause of nuclear escala…

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Think Tank Life, Chiquita Banana Death Squads, The New Yorker Treatment, Defund ICBMs | Ep. 185 53:42

3M ago53:42

53:42

Navigating the politics of Washington think tanks. Matt's interview with The New Yorker's Isaac Chotiner. Robert O'Brien wants the entire Marine Corps to relocate to Asia. Arundhati Roy is a target of Modi's Hindu-fascist turn. The case for defunding ICBMs. And Chiquita Banana death squads. Un-Diplomatic Newsletter on the politics of think tanking:…

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S3 Ep.6 Christian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament with Liddy Buswell 16:17

3M ago16:17

16:17

In this episode William speaks with Liddy Buswell from the Christian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CCND). They discuss the history of CCND, why faith should inspire us to campaign against nuclear weapons, and more. Find out more about CCND here. Join us this weekend at our national gathering (22nd of June) in London. Connect with SCM on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Maj. Gen. Stacy Jo Huser - 20th Air Force: Capabilities and Opportunities 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Major General Stacey Huser, the 20th Air Force Commander, about the capabilities and challenges of the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad. They discuss the history of 20th Air Force, the aging Minuteman III missiles, and the importance of maintaining and sustaining the system. They also talk about the change…

1
The Logic of Peacemaking: A Live Event on Nukes and Statecraft | Ep. 184 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

“One man’s deterrence is another man’s escalation.” Van spoke at an event rolling out a recent report, What Should Be Done? Practical Policies to Prevent Nuclear Escalation. At the event and in the report, Van laid out a logic of peacemaking, relating the strategic, the political, and the nuclear all together. Listen further if you want to know why…

1
S3 Ep. 5 - Non Violent Direct Action with Christian Climate Action 31:31

3M ago31:31

31:31

In this episode William is joined by Holly-Anna Petersen from Christian Climate Action to discuss the power and place of non-violent direct action in Christian political action. Additionally they discuss prayer as protest, the need for action on climate, engaging in democracy and politics beyond the ballot box and more. Find out more about CCA here…

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Episode 79. Endocrine Disruption: Patricia Hunt 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

Today we explore the history of the field of endocrine disruption with Patricia Hunt. Pat is a Regents Professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University. She is a distinguished researcher and the recipient of many awards; additionally, she works at the forefront of initiatives to communicate complex scientific findings…

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B.G. (Ret.) Gregory S. Bowen - The Importance of Hedging 36:44

3M ago36:44

36:44

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Brigadier General Retired Greg Bowen about hedging in nuclear conflicts. They discuss the importance of hedging as a strategy to quickly react to unforeseen events in a conflict. They also emphasize the need for the president to have multiple options and tools in the toolkit to deal with different scena…

1
Fake 'peace through strength,' Mexico's election, A.I. hasn't changed War, D-Day's Legacy | Ep. 183 51:52

3M ago51:52

51:52

Van, Julia, and Matt discuss how to think about Biden's Gaza ceasefire deal. Why "peace through strength" is a chauvinist meme. A.I. is a violent grift that hasn't changed war. Mexico's election of Claudia Sheinbaum highlights a potential contradiction between industrial policy and geopolitics. Thinking about the meaning of D-Day in light of milita…

1
Working-Class Foreign Policy and the Pivot to Asia | EP. 182 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

Van made an appearance on the Squaring the Circle podcast, a military-facing show that got into his origins in the national security state. The discussion talks about the importance of a working-class perspective in foreign policy, what was really wrong with Obama’s pivot to Asia, why Van is critical of “great-power competition,” and a number of ot…

1
S3 Ep. 4 Church Action on Poverty with Liam Purcell 24:36

3M ago24:36

24:36

In this episode William speaks with Liam Purcell from Church Action on Poverty about their work, what it means to be a Church of the poor, the power of solidarity and more. You can find out more about Church Action on Poverty here. Proletariat Christ with Adam Spiers mentioned in this episode. The Gospel in Solentiname by Ernesto Cardenal. Let's En…

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Bruce Tarter - LLNL's Technology, the Development of Nuclear Weapons, and the Era of Stockpile Stewardship 36:38

3M ago36:38

36:38

Bruce Tarter is Director Emeritus of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and was the eighth director to lead the Laboratory since it was founded in 1952. This episode covers the history and influence of the lab's technology on policy and strategy, the development of nuclear weapons, and the era of stockpile stewardship. It also delves into t…

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Best of: Daniel Immerwahr on Star Wars as Low-Key Anti-Imperialism | Ep. 181 28:50

4M ago28:50

28:50

This re-released conversation with Daniel Immerwahr is one of our all-time top ten episodes, initially released on December 30, 2022. In Part II of Van's sit-down w/ Professor Daniel Immerwahr (author of How to Hide an Empire), they talk about Daniel's recent chapter about the politics and ideology of George Lucas's Star Wars. Was the Galactic Repu…

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S3 Ep. 3 - The Polis, the Parish, and Practical Theology with Rev. Luke Larner 36:59

4M ago36:59

36:59

In this episode William speaks with Rev. Luke Larner about his work as a priest in the Church of England, how faith relates to politics, the relevance of theology to politics, trade unions and more. Connect with Luke on X here. For season 3 each episode is accompanied by a blog, this week's blog will release next Monday and can be found with all ou…

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