International Disarmament Institute News

Education and Research on Global Disarmament Policy

June 13, 2023
by mbolton
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Inspired by Youth Advocacy for Disarmament

The following reflection is from Antje Hipkins ’23, a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2022. Students were given service learning assignments with local disarmament advocacy organizations working in New York City. Antje’s assignment was with the Reaching Critical Will project of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

#Leaders4Tomorrow present their ideas to advance disarmament education in UN General Assembly First Committee side event. Photo: Youth4Disarmament

For my service learning assignment, I had the pleasure of working with four classmates on a project surrounding youth and disarmament education at the United Nations. We helped draft a joint statement that was read at the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) on 13 October 2022 and was cosigned by over 60 NGOs, including the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Drafting a statement on behalf of and with such a large group of people – students, young people, and educators all over the world – was a daunting task, but we were so encouraged to have received such resounding support from so many respected organizations.

Following the statement’s delivery, my colleagues and I continued working on a project in collaboration with Reaching Critical Will (RCW) to draft weekly articles monitoring the statements and resolutions made by UN Member States concerning their various stances on youth and disarmament as well as disarmament education. Being able to participate in this project has been one of the highlights of my collegiate career so far, as it has allowed me more practical experience, and even in-person experience at the UN, than any other class I have taken. Being able to hear our words being read in the halls of the UN has been an incredibly validating and encouraging experience.

I have deeply enjoyed being able to gain new skills, tools, and connections not only through this incredible project but throughout the entire course of this class,. I was not previously aware of how interconnected the struggle for disarmament is with many of my core interests, such as intersectionality, environmentalism, and humanitarianism. What I have learned in the past few months has strongly impacted the way that I foresee myself going forward with my career: I intend to continue working for disarmament in all of my future endeavors. For instance, I have been interning with the UN Ecumenical Office, where one of their main focus areas is nuclear disarmament. They also place immense importance on ensuring those who are most affected at the center of their efforts toward peacemaking and disarmament, which is one of the most important things I have taken away from this course.

It is easy to become discouraged when learning about how insidious and complicated the politics are surrounding arms control issues, particularly concerning nuclear weapons. Through this experience, however, I was inspired by people my own age who are taking steps in their own communities all around the world to promote disarmament. It will be us, the young people, who will inherit this complex web of weapons and destruction, and it is up to us to work as hard as we can to dismantle it. It was so encouraging to see not only classmates, but people from all over the globe pouring their passion and energy into disarmament efforts. As long as we continue to work together, we can achieve anything.

June 13, 2023
by mbolton
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Seeing the Local Impact of Global Advocacy

The following reflection is from Madison Turunen ‘23 a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2022. Students were given service learning assignments with local disarmament advocacy organizations working in New York City. Madison’s assignment was with the New York Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (NYCAN), local affiliate of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), 2017 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

FDNY Marine Company 9 is located on a portion of the former nuclear-capable Navy Homeport in Staten Island. Photo: Matthew Bolton, 2022.

For the civic engagement project, I worked with a group of students verifying whether the US and other governments were complying the New York City’s nuclear weapons free zone declaration in 1983, reaffirmed in 2021. We examined the history of this legislation, looked at examples of naval ships coming into the harbor, and examined the current state of former nuclear weapons development sites. In this process I had the opportunity to use my background as a Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies double major to engage with New York City’s nuclear history. In other courses I have had limited engagement with local history. With this project I was able to deeply examine the implications of the Manhattan Project and how New York City Council legislation aims to address harms in our community.

From this experience I learned that disarmament advocacy and education are essential for maintaining active accountability and encouraging action. For example, thanks to activism in the 1980s, the former nuclear-capable Navy homeport in Staten Island is no longer a military base and is now largely occupied by the Fire Department of NYC, as well as commercial and community organizations (see photos).

Part of the formerly nuclear-capable Navy homeport in Staten Island is now commercial space. Photo: Matthew Bolton, 2022.

I also learned how international norms and treaties translate to the state and local level. As someone who has worked in international advocacy spaces, it can often be difficult to see an immediate translation between global actions and localized implementation. However, I was able to see how the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) was having an effect on local politics. NYCAN drew on these emerging global norms to successfully advocated for the passage of 2021 nuclear disarmament legislation in the City Council.

Part of the formerly nuclear-capable Navy homeport in Staten Island is now space for community organizations. Photo: Matthew Bolton, 2022.

Nevertheless, many of the commitments have not yet been followed through. Specific information is also often difficult to access. Through our research we developed policy and activist recommendations to encourage following through with NYC’s commitments and overall compliance with the nuclear weapons free zone.

As someone who hopes to build a career in higher education and international advocacy, this experience was truly reaffirming of the power I yield and the potential capacities of my future career path. I also learned of the possibilities of bridging my background in international gender equality and youth development with disarmament, as well as localizing the issues. By centralizing disarmament education and opportunities to inspire younger generations, the overall advocacy and policy space become intergeneration, and in turn intersectional.

October 11, 2022
by mbolton
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Finding My Voice in Global Disarmament Advocacy

The following reflection is from Taylor Mangus ‘23 a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Taylor’s assignment was with a network of young people who drafted a joint statement on youth and disarmament education, delivered before the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) by fellow Pace student Jeremiah Williams ‘23.

Left to right: Ambassador Maritza Chan of Costa Rica with Pace University students Jeremiah Williams ’23 and Taylor Mangus ’23 at the “Youth Initiative to Reverse The Trend of Existential Threats” event at the Yale Club, November 2, 2021. Photo by Anya Chackes.

 During my Civic Engagement assignment for Dr. Bolton’s disarmament class in Fall 2021, I was able to get involved with disarmament in ways that I never expected. By being able to assist in writing the 2021 Joint Civil Society Statement on Youth Engagement and Peace, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, I was able to immerse myself in disarmament activism.

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July 26, 2022
by mbolton
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Humanitarian Action on Nuclear Weapons: Reinvigorating Nuclear Diplomacy in the NPT and Beyond

The use and testing of nuclear weapons has had catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences, which have been inadequately addressed by global policy. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), negotiated at the United Nations (UN) in 2017, is a categorical rejection of what had been the only weapons of mass destruction not yet banned by international law. But the TPNW also includes “positive obligations,” addressing the ongoing consequences of nuclear weapons use, testing, and related activities. These provisions were a major topic of discussion at the first meeting of states parties to the TPNW in June 2022 in Vienna, Austria. Discussions also centered on survivors’ voices and offered surprising moments of openness and collaboration between states parties and observer states that are not yet party to the TPNW, including some in nuclear alliances. The resulting Vienna Action Plan outlines a practical and forward-looking agenda, addressing the long-neglected impact of the more than 2,000 nuclear detonations in affected communities. It also provides opportunities for states to pursue other diplomatic priorities of the 21st century, including sustainable development, gender equity, disability justice, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and mitigation of environmental pollution.

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June 17, 2022
by mbolton
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Race, Disarmament and International Politics

 

The following reflection is from Magnolia Garcia Garcia, a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Magnolia’s assignment was with the network of organizations that planned the 2021 Humanitarian Disarmament Forum on Race and Intersectionality.

 

The 2021 Humanitarian Disarmament Forum (HDF) focused on intersectionality, specifically regarding race and racism in the humanitarian disarmament community. Working with the amazing planning team of the event was rewarding and fulfilling. The members of this team included Hayley, Isabelle, Farah, Ousman, and Clare, some of them working with the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots and others with Soka Gakkai International.

There were many things that this civic engagement experience taught me about myself, the disarmament process, and international politics.

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June 17, 2022
by mbolton
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Addressing British nuclear tests in Kiribati: a new opportunity for victim assistance and environmental remediation

The first Meeting of States Parties (1MSP) of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is taking place in Vienna from 21-23 June 2022. Countries will come together to begin operationalising the victim assistance, environmental remediation and international cooperation and assistance provisions of the TPNW.

Launched ahead of 1MSP, “Addressing British nuclear tests in Kiribati: a new opportunity for victim assistance and environmental remediation” is co-written by Dr. Matthew Breay Bolton of Pace University’s International Disarmament Institute, along with NGO experts and academics who have conducted significant field and policy research relating to the UK’s nuclear testing. The report, published by the UN Association of the UK, focuses on the harm caused by the UK’s tests in Kiribati in the context of new opportunities for recognition and remediation, given Kiribati’s role as a state party to the TPNW.

From 1952 to 1991 the UK undertook 98 nuclear weapon tests internationally including 45 explosive nuclear weapon tests, as well as 29 minor trial series and facilitation of a further 24 tests which took place on British administered and colonised lands. These tests have had long lasting humanitarian and environmental consequences. Victims include affected communities in the countries where tests took place, including indigenous peoples, as well as the British and colonial service personnel directly involved or serving nearby.

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May 31, 2022
by mbolton
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Mind Blown: Monitoring UN Disarmament Discussions Opens Up Whole New View of International Politics

The following reflection is from Nicki Eichenholtz ’22, a Pace University undergraduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service-learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Nicki’s assignment was with Reaching Critical Will, the disarmament program of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the oldest women’s peace organization in the world.

For my civic engagement assignment I worked with the organization Reaching Critical Will, writing and editing articles about proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) for their magazine, First Committee Monitor. We read through official written statements and notes of verbal comments from participating UN countries after every session, looking specifically for discussion of youth education and disarmament.

When I first received this assignment, and the opportunity to work for an organization surrounding the struggle for disarmament, I knew immediately that I wanted to be somehow involved with the UN and learn more about what exactly it is that they do.

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May 31, 2022
by mbolton
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Global Change Is a Prolonged and Delicate Process

The following reflection is from Mandi Karpo ‘23, a Pace University Political Science major who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Mandi’s assignment was with Reaching Critical Will, the disarmament program of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the oldest women’s peace organization in the world.

Illustration by Mandi Karpo

My assignment involved monitoring the Fall 2021 session of the United Nations General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) and writing up articles on youth and disarmament. I learned that First Committee comprises people just like you and me. However, a certain status, validity, and credibility allow these specific individuals to make decisions that affect massive populations. What goes on during these meetings has grown too complicated for the ordinary person to give attention or care.

Thus, I have learned the first and foremost important concept about myself; I am a tiny fish in a very large pond.

However, some organizations have enabled people like me to gain accessible information about what goes on in deep waters, no longer sheltering myself within my bubble of educational ignorance.

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May 27, 2022
by mbolton
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Engaging in Local Advocacy for Nuclear Disarmament

The following reflection is from Deja Kemp-Salliey ’22, a former Pace University student who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Deja’s assignment was with the New York Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (NYCAN), NYC-based activists associated with 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).

Deja Kemp-Salliey ’22, wears an ICAN mask outside City Hall to advocate for local action on nuclear disarmament. Photo: George de Castro Day

My assignment with NYCAN involved contacting New York City Council Members to advocate for important nuclear disarmament legislation (Res. 976 and Int. 1621). This consisted of calls and emails to sitting Council Members to convince them to vote in favor when the bills came to the floor.

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May 26, 2022
by mbolton
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Learning about Race and Intersectionality in Humanitarian Disarmament

The following reflection is from Rina Mjeku, a recent Pace University graduate who participated in the POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control class in Fall 2021. Students were given service learning assignments with disarmament advocacy organizations working in and around the UN and New York City. Rina’s assignment was with the network of organizations that planned the 2021 Humanitarian Disarmament Forum on Race and Intersectionality.

 

As I was considering which community partner to work with for my civic engagement hours, I was drawn to the Humanitarian Disarmament Forum (HDF). I had great interest in the 2020-2021 Forum topic, on Race and Intersectionality and wanted to help with the planning process in any way I could.

Working with the HDF was an eye-opening experience. It allowed me to see the behind-the-scenes of planning a forum attended by hundreds of disarmament activists from around the world. I learned how the disarmament community can become intersectional and anti-racist in their work and organizations.

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