Ploughshares Stories

In preparation for the inauguration, we asked four individuals from our community with a variety of backgrounds to answer a few questions about the nuclear aspects of the Inauguration Day transfer of presidential power: Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama, and co-host of the podcast Pod Save the World; Amy…

“Starfleet directive, General Order #1 “The Starfleet should not interfere with the social, cultural or technological development of any other planet.” – Star Trek Humankind will never run out of things to conquer. That may be a cynical take on the nature of humankind, but the history of space exploration, nearly every exploration, has yet…

Last September, Horizon 2045 and Ploughshares co-hosted “Security & the Future,” a three-day symposium designed to promote long-term thinking about intersections between nuclear challenges and other global threats to human and planetary security. More than 100 colleagues from civil society, philanthropy, the private sector, and government attended the symposium, engaging in provocative cross-issue conversations focused…

After 13 transformative years at Ploughshares, Elizabeth Warner, the organization’s Executive Director, is stepping down. Warner’s tenure has been marked by pivotal achievements in the global nuclear disarmament landscape and a steadfast commitment to fostering equity and innovation within the organization. In a reflective interview, Warner shared insights into her decision, the milestones she’s most…

The White Sands are always warm beneath my feet and the dunes are endless. They run towards the setting sun as if they are racing to snatch it up and hold its light forever. The sun prevails in its journey though, and suddenly the sky becomes dark and the white dunes turn blue beneath the…

In an unexpected turn of events, I’m now trained to help people die better. I’m what you call a death doula. How I got here is a story for another day. But in becoming a death doula, I’ve had to seriously reckon with the profound importance of death in life. I’ve often anguished over how…

On a sunny, 60º day in San Francisco, Dr. Emma Belcher and I met at the California Academy of Science’s cafe for a coffee following a short but packed week of meetings with the Board of Directors and our annual gala, Chain Reaction. We had just concluded a private group tour of the museum which…

Sunflowers are one of multiple types of flowers known as “turnsoles,” which are plants whose stems or flowers follow the movement of the sun. Turnsole movements show the connection between the different elements of nature as well as the connection between nature and those inhabiting Earth. They also demonstrate the movement of time and beckons…

Outgoing Chair Terry Gamble Boyer recently ended her term on the Ploughshares board. After 14 years on the Board and six years as Chair, she leaves behind an impressive legacy as a team builder, an advocate and a leader. As she looks back over her time with the Ploughshares board, a few key memories stand…

As of early 2024, nine countries controlled roughly 12,121 warheads. The United States and Russia control approximately 88 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world. As of early 2024, nine countries controlled roughly 12,121 warheads. The United States and Russia control approximately 88 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world. The United States…