Focus on Arts and Ecology

Dear Jon,

After the Cold War, the threat of nuclear weapons receded in our collective consciousness.

But the truth is, these terrible tools of death never went away, and neither did their destabilizing effect on global security. A string of recent events has pushed nuclear weapons back to the forefront of mainstream discourse and reminded us of an undeniable fact: We cannot achieve true peace if these weapons exist.

This week, North Korea tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, which experts claim has the longest range of any tested by the North Korean regime. We’re still learning the specifics of the launch and its implications, but one message has come through loud and clear: Pursuing peace on the Korean peninsula needs to remain a top priority.

Meanwhile, as the tragic war in Ukraine continues, Putin is leveraging the threat of nuclear weapons to provide cover for his unlawful invasion. His warning of “consequences greater than any you have faced in history” to nations considering intervention was a chilling reminder of Russia’s nuclear might.

And just a couple of weeks ago, India accidentally fired a missile into Pakistan. Cooler heads prevailed, but the incident could have quickly spiraled into a devastating conflict between two nuclear-armed nations.

These are different events with distinct contexts. But taken together, a core conclusion emerges: “Nuclear deterrence” cannot be relied upon as a mechanism for global security. The opposite is true. The mere existence of nuclear weapons represents an ever-present threat to peace on earth.

The only real answer is to eliminate all nuclear weapons. As we work toward that goal, lawmakers and leaders must take firm steps to deescalate arms races and reduce the chances of nuclear use.

It is hard, long-term work. But it is vital for the future of our planet.

Elsewhere

U.S. Pledges Relief for People Fleeing Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine hit the one-month mark, President Joe Biden met with NATO allies in Brussels this week. He announced the United States would accept up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine and pledged $1 billion in assistance to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and surrounding countries. We applaud this step and encourage the administration to apply this model of support for people displaced by conflict all over the globe.

Seven Years of War in Yemen
March 26 marks the seventh anniversary of the Saudi-led war and blockade on Yemen, which has led to the deaths of nearly half a million people and pushed millions more to the edge of starvation. With continued U.S. military support, Saudi Arabia has escalated its campaign of collective punishment on the people of Yemen, making this one of the deadliest periods of the war. It’s time to end U.S. complicity in the conflict: Write Congress or join an Advocacy Team.

Senate Wraps Historic Court Nomination Hearings
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson completed more than 30 hours of hearings in the Senate, clearing the way for her confirmation as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. “Judge Jackson is highly qualified to serve, and it is long past time that our country’s highest court better reflects the diversity of the United States,” FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix wrote.

Cluster Bombs Threaten Civilians in Ukraine
Advocates are raising the alarm about the Russian military’s use of cluster munition in Ukraine. These indiscriminate weapons have killed and injured hundreds of civilians, turned buildings into rubble, and led to mass displacement. FCNL is a leader within the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munitions Coalition, which works to eradicate cluster munitions and end the suffering they cause.

Democracy Needs All Voices to Thrive
The right to vote is under attack. Register to join our next Quaker Changemaker event on March 30 at 6:30 p.m. EDT to learn how FCNL and Friends are challenging discriminatory disenfranchisement and ensuring that we all can share our truth on Election Day. 

	Sincerely, Jessie Palatucci Senior Manager Digital Communications
	Alex Frandsen Communications Strategist

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