nuclear weapons

Stanislav Petrov, a former Soviet military officer, poses at his home in 2015 near Moscow. In 1983, he was on duty when the Soviet Union's early warning satellite indicated the U.S. had fired nuclear weapons at his country. He suspected, correctly, it was

Stanislav Petrov, 'The Man Who Saved The World,' Dies At 77

2:33pm September 18, 2017

by Greg Myre

Petrov was on overnight duty in 1983 when computers indicated the U.S. had launched a nuclear strike against his country. He had only a few nerve-jangling minutes to act.

In a new NPR/Ipsos poll, 51 percent of respondents said that they do not trust President Trump to handle the conflict with North Korea.

NPR/Ipsos Poll: Half Of Americans Don't Trust Trump On North Korea

8:34am September 18, 2017

by Scott Horsley

In addition, most falsely believe the president needs congressional authorization to launch a nuclear strike. North Korea's renegade program will be a major focus at this week's U.N. General Assembly.

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People at the Seoul Railway Station in the South Korean capital watch a TV report on North Korea's missile launch on Friday, days after the U.N. Security Council adopted new sanctions against Pyongyang.

World News

Some Analysts Say Time May Be Right For A Rethink On North Korean Nuclear Crisis

2:22pm September 17, 2017

by Anthony Kuhn

Sanctions and the threat of military action have proven ineffective at stopping North Korea's nuclear program. Some say that a deal with North Korea, with China's involvement, may be the way to go.

This picture taken and released on July 4 by an official North Korea news agency shows leader Kim Jong-Un (second from right) inspecting the test firing of a Hwasong-14 ICBM at an undisclosed location.

As Rhetoric Escalates, What Do We Know About North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal?

6:44pm August 11, 2017

by Geoff Brumfiel

There's a great deal of uncertainty around North Korea's capabilities, but here are the facts.

Moon Jae-in, South Korea's president, (center) will meet with President Trump on Thursday and Friday.

What To Expect From The White House Summit With South Korea's Leader

5:29pm June 28, 2017

by Elise Hu

At a time of growing North Korean weapons capabilities, President Trump and Moon Jae-in will meet Thursday. "We will focus on building a foundation of friendship and trust," says Moon's spokesman.

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South African President F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in 1993 for negotiating an end to apartheid. Earlier that year, de Klerk announced that South Africa had dismantled six nuclear weapons, becom

Giving Up Nuclear Weapons: It's Rare, But It's Happened

9:16pm May 08, 2017

by Greg Myre

President Trump is calling on North Korea to relinquish its nuclear arsenal. History suggests that's unlikely. Only one country has built its own nukes, and then given them up.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the George C. Marshall room at the State Department on Thursday.

Transcript: NPR Interviews Secretary Of State Rex Tillerson

11:57am April 28, 2017

In his first interview with NPR, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has a wide-ranging interview with Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep.

Donald Trump spoke at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Conference in March when he was a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination.

Trump Tweets Give A Glimpse Into Foreign Policy Approach

6:01pm December 28, 2016

by Jessica Taylor

The president-elect's comments on Israel, China and nuclear policy also highlight how reactionary comments on social media can immediately spur international concern and attention.

This undated photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Nov. 11 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at a defense detachment on Mahap Islet.

How Uncertainty In The Korean Peninsula Could Be A 'Recipe for Disaster'

11:00am November 21, 2016

by Elise Hu

President-elect Trump's statements on North Korea have reflected contradictory aims. Political turmoil in South Korea and Pyongyang's nuclear capability make for a mix that worries Korea-watchers.

A picture taken on April 20, 2010, shows a Russian nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missile launcher during a military parade rehearsal outside Moscow. Russia transferred Iskander-M missile launchers within range of three Baltic states earlier this mont

'A Dangerous Situation' As U.S.-Russia Tensions Spill Over To Nuclear Pacts

11:22am October 31, 2016

by David Welna

Longstanding nonproliferation deals between the two countries are fraying. Bickering over nuclear issues has increased markedly in recent months, with each side accusing the other of cheating.

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