2024 New Voices, New Ideas Conference

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.

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.

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 As new challenges emerge, it is crucial to rethink outdated paradigms and embrace innovative solutions.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.