By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS | 1 August 2024 (IDN) — The US is strengthening its economic and military relationships with Asian allies, including Japan and 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. Brunei Darussalam, Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. As political and military tensions […]
Religious Leaders, Academic Experts, and Tech Leaders Discuss AI Ethics for Peace
By Taro Ichikawa HIROSHIMA | 31 July 2024 (IDN) — Nearly one month ahead of the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings—by the United States—of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, representatives from 11 of the world’s major religions joined academic experts and tech leaders for an AI Ethics for Peace historic conference in […]
NGOs Call for Breaking the Impasse on Disarmament
By J. Nastranis NEW YORK | 23 July 2024 (IDN) — A joint statement for the Second Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 NPT Review Conference by nearly 50 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) —which focus on arms control negotiations—delivered on July 23 by Daryl G. Kimball of the Arms Control Association, calls for “Breaking the Impasse of […]
In Memoriam, Ambassador Sérgio Duarte (1934-2024)
By Ramesh Jaura* BERLIN | 17 July 2024 (IDN) — We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ambassador Sérgio Duarte, former United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, President of Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, and a friend and supporter of IDN. I met him first at the 25th UN […]
Africa’s Consequential Role in Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
By Ramesh Jaura BERLIN | 3 July 2024 (IDN) — As one of the five Nuclear-Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) covering Latin America and the Caribbean, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, Africa has been a driving force in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament—through the Treaty of Pelindaba—which entered into force on 15 July 2009 The […]
ICAN Calls for a Global Week of Action Against Suge in Nuclear Spending
By Jaya Ramachandran GENEVA | 23 June 2024 (IDN) — The nine nuclear-armed states spent a combined total of $91,393,404,739 on their arsenals—equivalent to $2,898 a second in 2023. ICAN’s latest report “Surge: 2023 Global nuclear weapons spending” shows $10.7 billion more was spent on nuclear weapons in 2023 than in 2022. “The billions of […]
We Must Act to Reduce Risk of Nuclear War
By John Carlson* This article was issued by Korea Times. SYDNEY | 22 June 2024 (IDN) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned, “Humanity is on a knife’s edge. The risk of a nuclear weapon being used has reached heights not seen since the Cold War.” Urgent action is needed to reduce the risk of […]
No More Bombs for Netanyahu, says US Senator
By Thalif Deen NEW YORK | 19 June 2024 (IDN) — US Senator Bernie Sanders (Independent-Vermont), one of the most vociferous opponents of Israel’s unrestrained military attacks on civilians in Gaza, urged the Biden Administration to stop sending any additional weapons and ammunitions to the Netanyahu government. In a statement released June 18, Sanders responded […]
Serbian President Warns of a Third World War
By Dr. Paul Craig Roberts* This article is being republished with the author’s permission. WASHINGTON, DC | 18 June 2024 (IDN) — “The Train has Left the Station and No One Can Stop It”. Europe Will be at War with Russia. These are the words of Serbia’s President Aleksander Vucic. He ought to know. He […]
Nuclear Threats on the Rise as Geopolitical Relations Deteriorate
By Thalif Deen NEW YORK 17 June 2024 (IDN)—The role of nuclear weapons in world politics is taking an increasingly dangerous trend due primarily to two reasons: the ongoing military conflicts and the growing modernization of nuclear arsenals. In the ongoing war in Ukraine, the on-again, off-again nuclear threats have come from Russia and in […]