Culture and Nuclear Weapons

If we change our cultural conceptions of nuclear weapons, we can make the world safer from nuclear threats.

The dangers of nuclear weapons are rarely communicated in a way that is compelling and accessible, despite the fact that these risks affect us all. At Ploughshares Fund, we are exploring the power of media, technology, and popular culture to change perceptions and attitudes. Learn more about our Cultural Change Initiative here.

Latest News, Analysis and Explorations of Culture and Nuclear Weapons

Join us in Los Angeles

Monday, March 18, 2019, join us in Los Angeles for an in-depth discussion about the momentum building for a new, saner nuclear policy and how California can lead the way to a safer, more secure world. Featuring: Michael Douglas, Award-winning Actor/Producer & UN Messenger for...

February 1, 2019 - By Ploughshares Fund
Remembering the Hawaii False Alarm

January 13 marks the one-year anniversary of the false Hawaii missile alert. That’s when nearly every radio, television and cell phone in Hawaii broadcast a mistaken official message that read, "Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill." Hawaiians...

January 9, 2019 - By Will Lowry
11 Essential Books on Nuclear Weapons

Staying engaged in the effort to prevent nuclear war requires an understanding of the history of nuclear weapons and the impact their use and production has had on people and the planet. We’ve compiled a diverse list of some of the best books about nuclear weapons. From well-loved classics, to...

September 19, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
How to Prevent Nuclear War

Preventing nuclear war is too important to leave to people who have brought the world to the brink of catastrophe on numerous occasions. An issue of this gravity cannot be left to people who believe the benefits of nuclear weapons outweigh their risks. You can work to prevent nuclear war today....

September 7, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
Madam Secretary and Nuclear Threats

On May, 22, 2018, Ploughshares Fund hosted a special viewing of the season finale for the CBS award-winning show Madam Secretary at Writers Guild of America, West. In this episode, Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord and cabinet members braced for the fallout at home and abroad as President...

May 9, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
"All the Shah's Men," a play based on the award winning book

We encourage you to come see, "All the Shah's Men," a play by Matthew Spangler. This original work based on Stephen Kinzer's award-winning book by the same name will be on stage in San Francisco's Mission District, May 3-20. Royce Gallery, 2901 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA Directed by...

April 13, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
Nuclear Weapons, Race and Justice in the Trump Era

Watch the complete video from KODX Seattle of Dr. Vincent Intondi's lecture on nuclear weapons, race and justice in the Trump era. This lecture took place at University of Washington in Seattle, Washington on April 2, 2018. The United States is on a path to spend $1.7 trillion over the next 30...

April 4, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
Join us for an important discussion with Dr. Vincent Intondi

Join us for an important discussion with Dr. Vincent Intondi, author of African Americans Against the Bomb, on the intersection of US nuclear weapons policy and the fight for racial equality, at the University of Washington on Monday, April 2. The United States is on a path to spend $1.7...

March 23, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
Speaking Up Locally Against Nuclear War

On Tuesday March 20, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a resolution introduced by supervisor Katy Tang, the San Francisco Resolution Against Nuclear War. The resolution was proposed to her by activists from Beyond the Bomb, a grassroots initiative to support public mobilization. We...

March 20, 2018 - By Ploughshares Fund
International Women’s Day 2018

Right now, there is tremendous action happening across the country and around the world to advance women’s rights, human rights, and the right to a safe and secure future for all. But that future will not be realized as long as the fields of national security and foreign policy continue to be...

March 8, 2018 - By Elizabeth Warner