Building a future
beyond nuclear fear.

We are a hub where thought leaders, innovators, campaigners, and activists convene and take action to move us closer to a world free from nuclear threats.

Ploughshares is a relentless force committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons. As the largest foundation singularly focused on reducing this danger, we grow and amplify the impact of the most effective advocates and organizations in the world through critical funding and trusted field building support.

Nuclear war affects everyone. We raise much-needed awareness to the perils of nuclear weapons development, testing, and use.

Latest from our Story Center

Why What We Don’t Know About Nuclear Weapons Spending Is a Problem

In 2020, ICAN published its first report on global nuclear weapons spending, and we continue to publish this research annually. In our most recent report released Friday, June 13, ICAN estimated that the nine nuclear-armed states spent over $100 billion on their nuclear arsenals in 2024—a new record and an increase of nearly $10 billion…

Ploughshares Urges Diplomacy Following Israel’s Strike on Iran

Israel’s massive strike on Iran has set in motion a dangerous escalatory spiral. Coming at a moment when diplomatic efforts toward a new nuclear agreement between the US and Iran were gaining traction, the strike undermined fragile momentum and threatens to derail progress. The attacks risk further escalation and immense human suffering, including for US…

RECA Expired One Year Ago—What it Means, and Why it Matters

Today, June 10, 2025, marks one year since the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) expired. To raise awareness for this anniversary, we’ve gathered information from advocates and partners to share what RECA is, why it matters, and the impacts of RECA’s expiration.  What is RECA?  The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), established in 1990, provides…

NukeTalk Podcast

The most recent season of NukeTalk is The Nuclear Ballot: How the US Election Shapes Nuclear Policy. NukeTalk is currently on hiatus. 

The Nuclear Ballot: Inauguration Special Report

As we conclude our Nuclear Ballot season, we are wrapping up with an Inauguration Special Report. Our guest is Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), as we explore what comes next regarding nuclear policy, domestic policy, and foreign policy at large now that Donald J. Trump is the President of the United States.

9 countries in the world possess nuclear weapons.

Of the approximately 12,121 weapons that exist today, the United States and Russia have a combined total of 10,624, accounting for over 90 percent of the world’s nuclear arsenal.

United States
Russia
China
France
United Kingdom
India
Pakistan
Israel
North Korea

Together, we make a difference

Only together can we rid the planet of nuclear threats. We can’t do it alone. Our supporters have been indispensable partners over the past 40 years. And as a public foundation, we’re accountable for every dollar spent in this effort. So please join us in making sure we are all safe from nuclear weapons today, tomorrow and for generations to come.