Nuclear dangers are rising to levels not seen since the Cold War. This growing risk demands the recruitment of voices from diverse demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds to bring new ideas, skills, and perspectives.
In line with our commitment to advancing diversity in the nuclear policy field, the Nuclear Policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is pleased to be hosting our second annual New Voices, New Ideas Conference on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The conference will be hybrid, held in-person at Carnegie's headquarters in Washington, DC, and online via Zoom.
This one-day, interactive event for interns, students, and young professionals aims to provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and substantive nuclear policy discussions with guest speakers and a nuclear crisis simulation.
Eligible participants include:
- Current undergraduate students
- Anyone who graduated with an undergraduate degree in the last three years (whether pursuing further education, working, interning, or looking for employment)
The event is free to attend and no prior nuclear policy background or experience is needed to participate—just an interest in the field. Please register to secure your spot as space is limited. Registrations from traditionally underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
This event is made possible through support from the Prospect Hill Foundation.
Keynote
A Conversation with Acting SRREJ Amber Greene
Amber Greene is the Acting Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice at the U.S. Department of State, where she leads Department efforts to advance the human rights of members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities, including people of African descent, and build global partnerships to combat systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia globally. Previously, Ms. Greene served in the White House Domestic Policy Council as the Special Assistant to the President for Racial and Economic Justice, where she directed the development and management of President Biden’s whole-of-government racial and economic justice agenda.
Speaker
Amber Greene
Acting Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice, U.S. Department of State
Moderator
Kylie Jones
Research Assistant, Nuclear Policy Program, Technology and International Affairs Program
Panel
New Voices: Bridging the Gap between People and Policy
Over the past year, nuclear weapons have reentered public consciousness in a way not seen since the Cold War. Spurred by various developments—from Russia’s nuclear saber-rattling in the Ukraine War, to Christopher Nolan’s award-winning film Oppenheimer—public awareness about the dangers of nuclear war has surged. Despite this increased interest, nuclear policymaking remains exclusive, and the opportunities for those from historically underrepresented groups to influence nuclear policy are not expanding accordingly. This lack of representation often hinders the field's ability to fully understand and address the multifaceted implications of nuclear weapons on different communities.
This panel will explore novel ways to bridge the gap between policymakers and the public, especially those most disproportionately impacted by nuclear weapons, to diversify the nuclear policy field, and push forward progress on nuclear challenges.
Speakers
Elise Rowan
Senior Director, Communications for the Nuclear Threat Initiative
Cole Smith
Filmmaker
Rachel Thomas
Director, Diversity and Inclusion, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Moderator
Jane Darby Menton
Fellow, Nuclear Policy Program
Panel
New Ideas: Intersectionality of Nuclear Policy and Global Challenges
This century, nuclear policy has largely remained entrenched in Cold War-era thinking, despite the evolving global security environment. Traditional approaches to deterrence, arms control, and non-proliferation have struggled to keep pace with technological advancements and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Further, nuclear weapons don’t exist in a vacuum. Their risks intersect with numerous other existential threats and pressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical instability. As new challenges emerge, it is crucial to rethink outdated paradigms and embrace innovative solutions.
This panel will delve into areas of nuclear policy that are ripe for innovation, exploring how fresh perspectives and interdisciplinary ideas can reshape the field for a more secure and stable future.
Speakers
Ryo Morimoto
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Princeton University
Sneha Nair
Special Assistant, National Nuclear Security Administration
Lindsay Rand
Postdoctoral fellow, Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation
Moderator
Jayita Sarkar
British Academy Global Innovation Fellow, Nuclear Policy Program