Rewriting the Narrative on Nuclear Weapons

Humans are hardwired to respond to storytelling. Stories, or narratives, are the vehicles society uses to articulate shared understanding of universal truths and values. With this in mind, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and Ploughshares produced Rewriting the Narrative on Nuclear Weapons: A research-based guide to building a safer future.

The research-based report is a practical guide to reversing the prevailing deterrence-based narrative that nuclear weapons keep us safe. The guide addresses how to shift the narrative to bolster our collective efforts at a time when nuclear weapons threats are on the rise and attention to the issue has dwindled.

NTI and Ploughshares, working with social-change agency Metropolitan Group, reviewed existing studies, conducted new research (including focus groups and a ReThink Media news audit), and engaged stakeholders from across the nuclear risk-reduction and disarmament field.

The result: a clear, effective, and persuasive narrative strategy related to nuclear threats, security, and disarmament that the field can adapt and use—a common, winning narrative—to engage audiences through our unique voices and approaches.

Join Dr. Emma Belcher, president of Ploughshares, Joan Rohlfing, president of NTI, and members of the project team as they present the narrative guide through a virtual launch event.