Global governments and organizations aiming to reduce existential risks should support nuclear risk-reduction measures but oppose quick, complete abolition of nuclear weapons. Nuclear abolition creates serious risk of returning to an era of great power conflict, which could drastically increase existential risk.
According to current and former intelligence and security officials briefed on the matter, the June 8 strike was part of a campaign to stop what Israeli officials believe was a nascent attempt by Syria to restart its production of deadly nerve agents.
A drive-thru coronavirus testing facility in South Korea. Credit: Republic of Korea.
It feels strange to look back on 2020 and try to think of anything good to say about the year, the last 12 months being largely defined by a deadly pandemic and a presidential election that seemed to expose the fragility of US democracy. It’s hard to look past the distressing stuff the pandemic lockdowns, the agonizingly long vote counts, the unexpected national importance of Wayne County, Michigan’s election canvassing board and to remember the positive things that happened.
But throughout the cataclysms of 2020, the
Bulletin, its expert contributors, and its staff produced excellent work. Here are a few stories that are among the best we produced within the category we call disruptive technology.