While chemical weapons are likely a greater threat than nuclear weapons, use of the latter is also not impossible.
This intercontinental ballistic missile was launched as part of Russia’s test of its strategic forces in 2020.
Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats have the world on edge, but so far, long-standing arms control measures have helped keep the situation from getting out of control.
As Russia threatens to invade Ukraine, Ukrainians wonder about the worth of a 1994 agreement signed by Russia, the US and the UK, who promised to protect the newly independent state’s sovereignty.
The two countries are on fundamentally different pages when it comes to regional security, and this is going to become more of an issue in the future.
Sister Megan Rice answers questions from members of a church group at a home in Maryville, Tennessee, in 2013.
Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images
A Catholic historian writes about nuns who protested against nuclear weapons. Even when convicted of sabotage, they used prison time to serve fellow inmates and push for justice.
Maxal Tamor/Shutterstock (with elements supplied by Nasa)
North Korea’s test of two new missile systems have stoked fears of a nuclear confrontation in Asia. But the North Korean leader may not be as unstable as he is made out.
The federal government considers investment in nuclear energy as vital to address climate change, but some proposed technologies pose other challenges.
(Shutterstock)
Molten salt reactors are being touted as an advanced technology for the production of nuclear energy, but their implementation is fraught with challenges.
The nuclear-armed and dependent states have been put on notice. They know the treaty jeopardises their claimed right to continue to threaten the planet.
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in the Korean demilitarized zone in June 2019.
Donald Trump avoided a major crisis with North Korea. But the North Korean nuclear issue remains unresolved as the country continues to develop its nuclear and ballistic capabilities.
The Marshall Islands and other small island nations are urgently threatened by rising seas.
Stefan Lins/Flickr
Climate change is a true existential threat for small island nations, but the US has done little to help the Marshall Islands, which it administered for decades.
The hibakusha (survivors) of the 1945 bombings have been among the most tireless campaigners for the treaty. The Japanese government, however, has not supported it.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial commemorates the deaths of over 140,000 people in the 1945 nuclear bombing.
(Shutterstock)