Our last Nuclear Café before we break for the summer (no Cafés in August) will be on Friday, 30 July. This will be a great session on progress in nuclear disarmament with representatives from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), who were awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.
After a successful networking event in December last year, UK PONI invites you to come and mingle with like-minded, lovely humans who are all stepping up in their careers, on 12 August! Although we would have loved to organise an event to do some face-to-face networking, we have decided to maintain the virtual format. So, BYOB (bring your own beverage) and join us from the comfort of your own home!
We’re also excited to announce that our team are looking for a Research Assistant to support the planning and organisation of our events and activities. We’re looking for a highly motivated individual who embraces the mission and goals of UK PONI enthusiastically. Sound like you? Head here for more details on how to apply!
As we approach mid-summer, please find below some suggestions for readings and events, and remember to make time for rest too!
Have a lovely summer,
Dr Ana Alecsandru
Research Fellow, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
UK PONI Project Lead
RUSI Events
UK PONI Summer Networking Event
12 August, 3–4:30pm BST
Are you looking to connect with current and future decision-makers? Do you want to build long-lasting relationships with people with similar ambitions? Looking for work in the nuclear sector can be a challenging and frustrating experience. This summer, we are hosting a Clubhouse-style storytelling exercise with several experts from across industry, policy and academia, who will share their experiences in the nuclear field.
Confirmed speakers:
- Stuart Cutting, Business Development Manager, Lockheed Martin
- Dr Sara Z Kutchesfahani, Director, N Square DC Hub
- Dr Nicola Leveringhaus, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in War Studies, King’s College London
- Dr Olamide Samuel, Research Associate in Nuclear Politics, University of Leicester
More speakers TBC
Nuclear Café
On 30 July, we will welcome Alicia Sanders-Zakre and Susi Snyder from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) to talk about their research on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) – the first international ban on nuclear weapons – and the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. We will also discuss ICAN’s most recent report on 2020 global nuclear weapons spending.
Recommended Reading
I, Warbot: The Dawn of Artificially Intelligent Conflict by Dr Kenneth Payne
I, Warbot: The Dawn of Artificially Intelligent Conflict by Dr Kenneth Payne, Reader in International Relations at King’s College London. A former BBC journalist, he is the author of three previous books on strategy. Artificial Intelligence changes how we fight, and even how likely it is that we will. Warbots will be faster, more agile and more deadly than today’s crewed weapons. New tactics are already emerging, but much deeper thinking is needed. When will an intelligent machine escalate engagement in a conflict, and how might you deter it? Can robots predict the future? And what happens to the ‘art of war’ as machines become creative? Crafting sensible rules for our warbots is possible. This fascinating book shows how it might be done.
Events & Courses
Part II: A New Normal: Redefining National Security Beyond 2020 – A Conversation with Women of Colour Policy Writers. Join to hear how the Women of Colour policy experts push the boundaries of traditional concepts of national security and reimagine what a brighter future can hold. Read the policy papers here. The event is on 23 July, register here.
N Square Flare: Black Speculative Arts Movement explores the future of security. It has never been more important to think strategically, analytically, and creatively about the future. And like every other sector we can think of, the field of ‘futurists’ or ‘strategic foresight professionals’ is in flux. For anyone thinking about what it means to be safe or secure in the future – and what that implies for our work on nuclear weapons threats in particular – this is a must-attend event. Join here on 23 July.
When is the Right Moment for an End of War Declaration? To discuss what an end of war declaration would mean for the Korean peninsula and the region, join this Korea Economic Institute of America event on 27 July. Details here.
Inkstick Short Story Contest: Breaking Through Nuclear Apathy. Deadline is 30 July. Details here.
Young Professionals: Nuclear Safety Essay Competition Now Open. Take part in the IAEA’s essay competition for a chance to be a youth panellist at the International Conference on a Decade of Progress after Fukushima-Daiichi: Building on the Lessons Learned to Further Strengthen Nuclear Safety, to be held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, from 8-12 November 2021. Deadline is 31 July. Apply here.
Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp 2021 Summit. This virtual event will take place on Thursday, 5 August from 17:00 – 20:15 BST. This year’s programme will feature panel discussions on 21st century applications for advanced reactors, the technology’s implications for environmental justice, and its role within the broader cleantech ecosystem. In addition, there will be three interactive, limited-capacity side events: a module focused on practicing venture pitches, a workshop on outreach and engagement, and a Bootcamp alumni Q&A panel for prospective future applicants. Register here (free event).
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is organising the 2021 Innovations Dialogue: Deepfakes, Trust and International Security on 25 August. Register here. Please specify if you will be attending in person or if you will be connecting remotely. Agenda and details here.
Publications
NDC Research Paper 19: Principles of Nuclear Deterrence and Strategy. The paper is structured as an investigation of nuclear strategy, moving stage by stage from the conceptual level to the planning level before setting out the issues that revolve around nuclear deterrence. Read here (May 2021).
Russia’s National Security Strategy: A Manifesto for a New Era (6 July 2021).
A millennial’s view: ICBMs are ridiculous (8 July 2021).
NNSA Produces First Upgraded Warhead For Sub-Launched Nukes (13 July 2021).
What Threat Do China’s New Missile Silos Pose to the US? (16 July 2021).
76 Years after A-Bomb, Youth Can Lead on Reducing Nuke Danger (16 July 2021).
President Biden’s First Nuclear Arms Budget Is Disappointing (17 July 2021).
A big blow’: Washington’s arms controllers brace for loss of their biggest backer. (19 July 2021).
Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Stability (19 July 2021).
Houston, are we going to have a problem with space nuclear power? (19 July 2021).
Jobs & Internships
Various positions available at RUSI. See here for details.
Research Assistant for UK PONI, RUSI. More information will be available here.
Safeguards Information Analyst (Satellite Imagery) (P4). Deadline is 2 August. Apply here.
ESRC Policy Fellowships 2021. Apply to spend up to 18 months collaborating with a UK or devolved government host organisation. FCDO Non-proliferation opportunity here. More details here.
Roger L. Hale Fellowship. Ploughshares Fund seeks applicants for a competitive, one-year paid position as a Roger L. Hale Fellow. Deadline is 15 September. Details here.