Nuclear Weapons

There are approximately 13,865 nuclear weapons in the world in nine countries: United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, Israel, India, Pakistan and North Korea. Over 90% nuclear weapons are in the arsenals of the United States and Russia.

Basics

“What types of nuclear weapons exist? What are the effects of a nuclear explosion? Which countries possess nuclear weapons?”

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Issues

Find information on the most pressing issues facing citizens and policymakers in the nuclear age.

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History

Learn about the pivotal role nuclear weapons played during World War II, the Cold War, and the post-Cold War era.

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Treaties

Numerous international treaties seek to reduce and/or eliminate nuclear weapons. Click here to learn more.

Back From the Brink

We are actively involved in the Back from the Brink campaign, which seeks to empower cities and states to take action on five steps to bring the world back from the brink of nuclear war. Click here to learn more.

Nuclear Deterrence

Nuclear arsenals are often justified by the theory of nuclear deterrence. But does it work?

Nuclear Famine

The use of as few as 100 nuclear weapons against cities could result in a global famine. Click here to learn more.

Nuclear Zero Lawsuits

In 2014, the Republic of the Marshall Islands sued the nuclear-armed countries for failing to disarm. The cases were heard over the following years. Click here to learn more.

Nuclear Program Histories

Brief histories of selected countries’ nuclear programs.