A United Voice Against Nuclear Weapons
Weekly Newsletters

A United Voice Against Nuclear Weapons

 

 

14 March 2025

This week, Melissa Parke reflects on the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which took place in New York from 3-7 March, and stresses the urgency of nuclear disarmament. And we highlight a new job opportunity for a Policy Fellow to contribute to our work on nuclear risk reduction, security cooperation, and other key initiatives.

As always, we share recent activities from our network, including analysis on the US suspension of foreign aid, the decline of Pax Americana, Trump’s transactional diplomacy, and more.

A United Voice Against Nuclear Weapons

Melissa Parke reflects on the 3MSP, which took place from 3-7 March, 2025 in New York. She argues that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) offers a viable path to elimination of nuclear weapons, as demonstrated by countries like Kazakhstan and South Africa, which have relinquished their nuclear arsenals in the past. She stresses that nuclear disarmament is not a utopian dream but a political challenge that can be overcome with responsible leadership, strong resolve, and global cooperation.

Read the commentary

Job Opportunity: Policy Fellow

We are seeking a Policy Fellow to support our growing work on nuclear risk reduction and security cooperation, as well as other active projects. The role involves contributing to APLN’s research, policy impact, and events agenda.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in policy or a relevant research role, along with a university degree in a related field. Please note that due to funder restrictions, applicants must be citizens of Japan, ROK, Australia, or New Zealand.

To apply and for more information on the role, please contact Ms. MinHee Chang Oh, APLN Operations Manager, at changmh@apln.network.

Read more and apply

APLN has over 160 members from 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Each week we feature their latest contributions
to global and regional security debates.

See all member activities

 

US Suspension of Foreign Aid: Will China Fill the Void?

Hoang Thi Ha, Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, co-wrote a paper with Cha Hae Won, highlighting that as the US reduces its foreign assistance, some Southeast Asian countries are turning to China to fill the gap. However, due to China’s different approach to aid, it cannot serve as a direct substitute for the US.

Beginning of the End for Pax Americana?

Kim Won-soo, former Under Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs of the United Nations, wrote for The Korea Times and argued that recent events in Washington highlight America’s growing internal divisions and retreat from global leadership, signaling a decline in Pax Americana. He warned that unless American leaders take action, this accelerated decline could create a dangerous power vacuum and global instability.

Can China and India Step In to Fill Climate Void Left by Trump’s America?

C. Uday Bhaskar, Director of the Society for Policy Studies (SPS), New Delhi, wrote for the South China Morning Post and emphasised that the US’ absence from international deliberations on climate change must not be allowed to derail efforts to solve the crisis. There is a strong case for other major powers to step in and fill in the gaps created by Trump’s decisions.

How Will Trump’s Transactional Diplomacy Influence Ties With Allies Like S. Korea?

Eunjung Lim, Professor at the Division of International Studies, Kongju National University (KNU), discussed South Korea’s economic and security challenges amid Trump’s second-term policies with Patrick Cronin. They examined the impact of new US tariffs on South Korean exports, and the broader implications of US-China trade tensions, exploring how Seoul can navigate these uncertainties and protect its strategic interests.

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