Is nuclear deterrence an outdated policy? And if so, what’s holding us back from transitioning to a nuclear ban once and for all? What are the racial and gendered dimensions of nuclear weapons production and nuclear waste storage? How do these policies impact marginalized communities, both domestically and abroad? What role can youth action play in shifting nuclear politics and advocating for lasting peace at local and UN levels?

In this interview with Rebecca Irby, founder of P.E.A.C. Institute and organizer of the upcoming 24-Hour Global Pause for Peace to be held on October 4, 2025, we dive into the complex world of nuclear politics, exploring what we know and what we don’t.

From the impact of nuclear weapons testing and waste storage on marginalized communities to the rising threats and calls for nuclear deterrence, we touch on the underplayed significance of the UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons, the evolving divestment movement in the nuclear field, and the looming collapse of the industry as only a few political leaders continue to support nuclear armament.

We also address how we can engage youth in these critical conversations, emphasizing the importance of including their voices in decision-making processes and the need of peace education programs in supporting the next generations to shape the future of International Relations and, hopefully, build a more peaceful world.

Join us in this exploration, ⁠⁠follow us on LinkedIn ⁠⁠and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe to our podcast newsletter community here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recommended links to this episode:

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
  
  
• 
  
• Oppenheimer: what you need to know before watching

• Racism and nuclear weapons
• The Ultimate Coloniser: Challenging Racism and White Supremacy in Nuclear Weapons Policy Making
  
• They didn't know their backyard creek carried nuclear waste. Now, they're dying of cancer.