United States

The United States invented nuclear weapons, operates the second largest nuclear force in the world and holds the dubious distinction of being the only country to use these weapons in combat. As a result, the U.S. has a special responsibility to lead the way in reducing its own nuclear weapons stockpile and calling for other nuclear armed nations to follow suite. Following is analysis and opinion from Ploughshares Fund staff, grantees and guests on the ongoing struggle to deal with nuclear weapons in the United States.

  • European missile defense reviewed

    Supporters of basing a U.S.

    September 10, 2009 - By Sarah Brown

  • Rachel Maddow: Her Intelligence is Right.

    Rachel Maddow will not let former officials dodge responsibility for launching an unnecessary war in Iraq. Why do other journalists?

    September 8, 2009 - By Joe Cirincione

  • Obama urged to "work harder and faster" to achieve Prague vision

    Amid increasing evidence of divisions within the Obama Administration about nuclear weapons policy, nuclear experts are calling on the President to accelerate his efforts to achieve the vision of a nuclear weapon-free world he articulated in a groundbreaking speech in Prague last April. 

    September 4, 2009 - By Deborah Bain

  • Obama keeps head of nuclear weapons program

    The Obama Administration announced it will retain Thomas D'Agostino as head of the U.S.

    September 3, 2009 - By Sarah Brown

  • The NPR and transforming nuclear policy

    "The forces of nuclear policy inertia are hard to overcome," writes Ploughshares Fund grantee Daryl Kimball in an article about the opportunity presented by the upcoming

    August 28, 2009 - By Deborah Bain

  • Warhead modernization plan subject to outside review.

    The forthcoming recommendation by the Defense Department on how to proceed with nuclear warhead modernization -- refurbishing existing warheads or building new ones -- will be subject to outside technical review, delaying a decision on the controversial plan.

    August 28, 2009 - By Deborah Bain

  • Ted Kennedy: A Lion for Nuclear Disarmament

    Senator Ted Kennedy worked tirelessly to protect America from the threats of nuclear terrorism and proliferation and to reduce and eliminate all nuclear arsenals.

    August 26, 2009 - By Joe Cirincione

  • Turkey’s Nuclear Crossroads

    Turkey has quietly held NATO tactical nuclear weapons since the Cold War. Removing them will be a critical step towards a safer world. But it won’t be easy.

    August 26, 2009 - By Alexandra Bell

  • Turkey’s Nuclear Crossroads

    Turkey has quietly held NATO tactical nuclear weapons since the Cold War. Removing them will be a critical step towards a safer world. But it won’t be easy.

    August 26, 2009 - By Alexandra Bell

  • Governor Richardson calls meeting with North Koreans 'hopeful' sign

    Governor Bill Richardson said his August 19 meeting with North Korean diplomats offered a “hopeful sign” of improving relations with the reclusive nation, which reiterated its desire for direct talks with the United States.  “The delegation indicated that North Korea is rea

    August 20, 2009 - By Sarah Brown