Ploughshares Stories
Iranian Americans Mobilize Against War and Nuclear Catastrophe
Growing up as an Iranian American, the fact that the United States could go to war against Iran always cast a shadow in the background of my life. We had close calls during the Bush era, most famously epitomized in 2007 by the late Senator John McCain chanting to the beat of a popular Beach…
Atomic Alchemy Issue #2: Let It Burn: On Anger, Hope, and The Eternal Flames of Liberation
In the second zine for the Atomic Alchemy series, Jasmine Owens explores the parallels between rage and hope in the pursuit of liberation from injustice. Atomic Alchemy Zine #2: “Let It Burn: On Anger, Hope, and The Eternal Flames of Liberation” Author Jasmine Owens Jasmine Owens is a nuclear weapons abolitionist, writer, educator, organizer, and…
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…
Investing in a Peaceful Future – VIDEO
This video from our friends at As You Sow explores how your retirement savings might be financing arms manufacturers making nuclear missiles, cluster bombs, and other controversial military weapons used in wars and armed conflicts all over the world. In less than 4 minutes, Grant Bradski walks you through As You Sow’s Weapon Free Funds…
Under Pope Leo XIV, What’s Next for the Catholic Church’s Nuclear Weapons Platform?
Two weeks ago, newly appointed Pope Leo XIV engaged in a first-week tradition well known to leaders across the world: an introductory flurry of posts on X. “Peace” was the theme of his seven starter posts, which appeared on feeds across the globe on May 14. Leo XIV drew attention to the Christian diaspora, the…
Ploughshares Hosts Iconic Doomsday Clock for 2025
Last week, Ploughshares and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists hosted a reception for a group of grantees and partners at our DC office to celebrate our collective efforts to reduce the threats posed by nuclear weapons. We journeyed from our usual office to the building’s event space, and despite a light smattering of rain,…
Bankrolling Bombs: How Your 401(k) Funds the War Machine and What You Can Do About It
Over the last few months, I’ve written about how weapon makers are connected to humanitarian risks, and how that translates to financial risks for 401(k) investors. In this post we’ll trace the investment chain from A to Z, showing how our savings end up flowing towards military weapon manufacturers, and how you can find sustainable…
Golden Dome: The Star Wars Reboot No One Asked For
May the 4th be with you! The idea of defending the US against our adversaries’ nuclear weapons has long been enticing, leading the US to develop anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. And despite the shortcomings of several programs and the prohibitive costs of deployment, the Reagan administration launched the Strategic…