August 2024 in Review at APLN

2 Sep 2024 | APLN

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This August, we commemorated the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and joined the #CranesForOurFuture campaign to honour the victims and advocate for a future free from nuclear weapons.

In our publications this month, APLN members and staff reflect on the opportunities and challenges we face in achieving a nuclear-free world. Hidehiko Yuzaki highlights Hiroshima Prefecture’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of leaders dedicated to international peace. Tatsujiro Suzuki discusses the ongoing Fukushima wastewater release and offers suggestions for restoring public trust. Joel Petersson Ivre argues that South Korea’s anti-nuclear movement needs to become more visible and proactive in the domestic debate. Michiru Nishida explores the successes and challenges of the recent Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Preparatory Committee (PrepCom).

To mark the 15th International Day Against Nuclear Tests, we invited Francesca Giovannini, Dmitry Stefanovich, Sitara Noor, Mitsuru Kitano, and APLN members Manpreet Sethi, John Tilemann, Sang Hyun Lee and Man-Sung Yim to share their insights on how to reinforce existing nuclear testing moratoriums and reverse the cycle of spiraling nuclear tensions in our latest Pulse edition.

Finally, we announce our upcoming webinar on September 25th, which will examine the roles for the United States and ASEAN in promoting regional stability. I look forward to your participation.

Thank you for your continued support of APLN and as always I welcome your comments on our work.

Kind regards,

Shatabhisha Shetty
APLN Executive Director

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Hiroshima’s Commitment to Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders for a Nuclear-Free World

Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, calls for a redirection of resources from nuclear modernization to the cultivation of leaders committed to nuclear disarmament and international peace. This shift is especially crucial in light of the aging population of atomic bomb survivors and the ongoing global threats posed by nuclear weapons.

Read the commentary

Fukushima “Waste Water” Controversy:
The Accident Is Not Over Yet

Tatsujiro Suzuki analyses Japan’s controversial plan to release treated wastewater, emphasising that the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) must recognize that managing radioactive wastewater is not just a scientific and technical issue. Instead, it is a “trans-science” issue that requires a new approach, including non-scientific dialogue and additional measures to rebuild public trust.

Read the commentary

The South Korean Anti-Nuclear Weapons Movement
Must Find Its Voice

APLN Policy Fellow Joel Petersson Ivre argues that the South Korean debate on nuclear armament needs a more vocal anti-nuclear weapons movement that can strengthen ties with political allies, build partnerships across the political spectrum, communicate the costs of developing nuclear weapons to the public, and explore alternative security solutions.

Read the commentary

A Glimmer of Hope for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

APLN Senior Research Adviser Michiru Nishida reflects on the recent NPT PrepCom, noting that it successfully reinstated the practice of issuing the Chair’s Summary, which is a positive sign of upholding the Chair’s integrity despite the lack of progress on substantive issues. Whether this glimmer of hope can turn into a beacon of hope will depend on the efforts of States Parties going forward.

Read the Korea Times column

15th International Day against Nuclear Tests

Francesca Giovannini, Dmitry Stefanovich, Sitara Noor, Mitsuru Kitano, and APLN members Manpreet Sethi, John Tilemann, Sang Hyun Lee and Man-Sung Yim emphasise the urgent need to reinforce the taboo against nuclear weapons and discuss ways to banish the spectre of nuclear testing in the current international climate.

Read the Pulse

Enhancing the Shield and the Spear: Understanding Recent Developments in the Japan-US Alliance

14 August | Hirohito Ogi argues that recent efforts to modernise the Japan-US alliance reflect both countries’ commitment to adapting to evolving security challenges in the region, while maintaining the alliance’s longstanding strategic roles.

North Korea’s Tactical Nuclear Weapons: More Bad News for Northeast Asia

7 August | Ali Zia Jaffery explains how North Korea’s tactical nuclear weapons fit into its nuclear posture and increase the risk of nuclear misadventure on the Korean Peninsula, arguing that Washington should seek new ways to engage a nuclear-armed Pyongyang in arms control discussions.

The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Landmark Pact that Strengthens Ties Between Like-Minded States

2 August | Kyoko Hatakeyama writes that the Japan-Philippines RAA is pivotal in countering China’s assertive maritime policies in the East and South China Seas, represents a significant shift towards a quasi-alliance structure and strengthens the bond between like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.

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