Independent Thinking

Which country is next to go nuclear?

May 3, 2024

Bronwen Maddox and guests discuss the resurgence of nuclear threats globally, focusing on challenges in dealing with potential threats in East Asia and the Middle East. They explore the emotional impact of nuclear weapons, Russian nuclear threats in Europe, and the intersection of civil nuclear power and non-proliferation efforts. The conversation also touches on navigating nuclear politics in Ukraine and the intricacies of preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

40:30

Creator website

Episode guests

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Global tensions are pushing countries like South Korea and Japan to consider nuclear options as a response to heightened threats.

Efforts to prevent nuclear warfare involve reducing nuclear stockpiles and enforcing arms control agreements to maintain global peace.

Deep dives

Rising Nuclear Threats: An Overview

The risk of nuclear war is discussed amidst rising tensions globally. Threats posed by nuclear weapons resurging akin to the Cold War era are evident, with Iran's proximity to nuclear capability and Russia's intimidating nuclear stance. Challenges persist in East Asia due to North Korea's resistance to disarmament. The decay of nuclear non-proliferation agreements is a pressing concern.

Introduction

2min

Challenges of Nuclear Threats and Preemption

15min

Nuclear Threats and Strategic Considerations

12min

Exploring the Intersection of Civil Nuclear Power and Non-proliferation Efforts

2min

Navigating Nuclear Politics and Energies: A Multilateral Perspective

2min

Navigating Nuclear Diplomacy in the Middle East

6min

Discussion on Russia's Potential Placement of Nuclear Weapons in Space

3min

This week, Bronwen Maddox discusses whether we are seeing a resurgence of the threat posed by nuclear weapons, given recent events in the Middle East and rhetoric from world leaders.

She is joined by Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science at Pusan National University, Dr Hanna Notte, Director of the Eurasia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and Dr Patricia Lewis, Director of the International Security Programme at Chatham House.

Read our latest:

The UK defence budget increase is welcome but defers tough choices | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank

Confiscation of immobilized Russian state assets is moral and vital | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank

Confiscating sanctioned Russian state assets should be the last resort | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock.

Take part in The World Today's Reader Survey✏️

Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 

Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧

Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.