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atomicbell

@atomicbell.bsky.social
641 followers 21 following 41 posts

President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 31/08/2026
Bulletin president and CEO Alexandra Bell @atomicbell.bsky.social discusses concerns surrounding nuclear policy and other existential threat issues that factored into the 2026 Doomsday Clock conversation. ⬇️
youtu.be
Nuclear policy and the Doomsday Clock today
Bulletin president and CEO Alexandra Bell discusses concerns surrounding nuclear policy and other existential threat issues that factored into the 2026 Doomsday Clock conversation, from her point of…
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 13/08/2026
When Matt Smith asked four different chatbots if he could buy everything needed to build a lethal, self-guided drone, they all had the same answer: yes. They even provided a shopping list. But as Smith writes, the process was "stranger than expected."
youtu.be
I asked AI to make a killer drone, it said yes.
Can an average guy build a killer drone in his garage? That’s the question reporter Matt Smith set out to answer over the course of 11…
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Alex Wellerstein @wellerstein.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
81 years ago today, on August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped upon the city of Nagasaki, Japan, by the United States. This was 3 days after the first atomic attack on Hiroshima.
Nagasaki, bomber's eye view: Close-up view of the head of the mushroom cloud at the Nagasaki explosion, as seen from either the bomber or the observation plane.Nagasaki, distant ground view: Photo of the Nagasaki cloud taken ~15 minutes after the atomic bomb detonation, by Hiromichi Matsuda, stationed at Koyagi-jima Island, some 5 miles / 8 km away.Nagasaki, before and after, aerial views. Nagasaki, ground view, some weeks after the attack.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 06/08/2026
"Leaders shouldn’t just talk about Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They should visit," by Alexandra Bell @atomicbell.bsky.social.
thebulletin.org
Leaders shouldn’t just talk about Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They should visit.
World leaders should stop talking about Hiroshima and Nagasaki and actually go there. The leaders of nuclear armed states, in particular, should make the journey. Once you visit the cenotaphs and…
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
New START, the last US-Russia nuclear reduction treaty, expired 6 months ago today. It appears that absolutely nothing has been done to put guardrails back around the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world. Washington and Moscow's dereliction of duty threatens the entire planet.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Thrilled to finally share the great news that Sharon Weinberger is joining the @thebulletin.org as our next Editor-in-Chief! thebulletin.org/2026/08/the-...
thebulletin.org
The Bulletin welcomes Sharon Weinberger as editor-in-chief
The Bulletin’s new editor-in-chief, Sharon Weinberger, has dedicated her career to covering the intersection of science, technology, and national security and will guide the Bulletin’s editorial effor...
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A small embarrassment in a sea of larger ones, but still...
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 29/07/2026
Is Oppenheimer, WALL-E, The Matrix, or 28 Days Later the best doomsday movie? After a series of head-to-head matches, Bulletin readers have voted on the final four. Which will win? Comment which movie is your favorite on Instagram to be entered into a giveaway: buff.ly/HftgAvE
The winning nuclear risk movie: OppenheimerThe winning climate movie: Wall-EThe winning tech movie: The MatrixThe winning biosecurity movie: 28 Days Later
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 25/07/2026
Join the Bulletin on Wednesday for a discussion of "Doomsday on Film" with @maxbrooks.bsky.social @dandrezner.bsky.social and @eliserowan.bsky.social Register here: pages.thebulletin.org/2026-0729-en...
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 25/07/2026
“Move fast and break things is not a suitable motto for any conscientious military organization.” Read more in a new investigative piece from Bernice Yeung "The rise of the military-technology complex"
thebulletin.org
The rise of the military-technology complex
How Silicon Valley tech firms remade US defense contracting. And then opened the Pentagon’s checkbook—wide.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 23/07/2026
AI defense tech contractors have notably increased their spending on political influence, according to a new Bulletin analysis. Between 2022 and 2024, nine trailblazing AI companies nearly doubled their campaign contributions to the members of Congress who control Pentagon policy.
buff.ly
The rise of the military-technology complex
How Silicon Valley tech firms remade US defense contracting. And then opened the Pentagon’s checkbook—wide.
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Jessica McKenzie @jessimckenzi.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
"Harrowing" @thebulletin.org article mentioned in a recent NYT op-ed www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/o...
The most harrowing report about Iran’s future was put out seven months ago by analysts writing in the highly regarded Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists — and it never mentioned nuclear weapons. It mentioned only the nation’s acute water crisis, which may have shut down more Iranian institutions than Israel and America combined.

“During the summer of 2025, Iran experienced an exceptional heat wave, with daytime temperatures across several regions, including Tehran, approaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) and forcing the temporary closure of public offices and banks,” the analysts said. “During this period, major reservoirs supplying the Tehran region reached record-low levels. … Officials warned that the capital city may even have to be evacuated if water supplies fail to recover.”
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 17/07/2026
Meeting at the Vatican, a historic assembly of Nobel laureates, scientists, and religious leaders warned that the "AI-nuke nexus" is rapidly eroding human control over existential decisions—urging world leaders to halt dual arms races and calling on the public to mobilize before control is lost.
thebulletin.org
AI for peace: In Rome, Nobel laureates call for disarming AI and nuclear weapons
Meeting at the Vatican, a historic assembly of Nobel laureates, scientists, and religious leaders warned that the "AI-nuke nexus" is rapidly eroding human control over existential decisions—urging…
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 16/07/2026
Today marks 81 years since the first detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945: the Trinity test. Here's a selection of Bulletin articles examining the event and its wide-ranging impact.
thebulletin.org
Trinity test archives
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Alex Wellerstein @wellerstein.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists asked me to write about 13 films that I thought were essential to understanding the nuclear age… and so I did! And now I am ready for everyone to tell me how wrong I am to have missed their favorite film, which is understandable. thebulletin.org/premium/2026...
thebulletin.org
Thirteen films that are essential to understanding the nuclear age
A chronological list of the best nuclear Doomsday films shows how the nuclear perspective unfolded from the earliest days to the present.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 12/07/2026
Former National Security Council senior director Paul Friedrichs warns about the lack of guardrails on artificial intelligence development in the United States.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 11/07/2026
The Bulletin's July magazine delves into movies on existential threats, from the toughest to watch to reminders that "not all Doomsday-related tales are downers." As the tagline for Gattaca's ad campaign put it: "There is no gene for the human spirit."
thebulletin.org
July 2026 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Follow our Iran coverage
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Alex Wellerstein @wellerstein.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
So I've been thinking about this whole thing a little: would a presidential order to use nuclear weapons in the event of their death be a legal military order? It's a tricky question. I don't think there's any written policy on it.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 08/07/2026
The Bulletin's July magazine, published today, delves into the best (and maybe some of the worst) movies on nuclear weapons, climate change, biological threats, and artificial intelligence. 🎬️ thebulletin.org/magazine/202...
A magazine cover titled "Doomsday, The Movie!" The background image shows a partially melted film strip with an image of a character from the film "Dr. Strangelove" riding a nuclear missile, holding his hat in the air.
The corners of the cover have the "Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists" logo as well as the month of publication, July 2026.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 08/07/2026
The Bulletin sits down with three leading experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biosecurity to break down the most urgent risks and opportunities shaping these fields, from pandemic preparedness to the role of AI in national security and biotechnology.
youtu.be
AI, Viruses, and Bioweapons | Bulletin Breakdown
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sits down with three leading experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biosecurity: David Relman, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at…
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 01/07/2026
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is deeply honored to be the recipient of the second Miwon Peace Prize from the Kyung Hee University System. The award recognizes the Bulletin's commitment to translating scientific knowledge into action for peace, security, and the future of humanity.
thebulletin.org
The Bulletin to be awarded the Miwon Peace Prize
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is deeply honored to be the recipient of the second Miwon Peace Prize from the Kyung Hee University System. The The Bulletin wins peace prize in recognition of…
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The @thebulletin.org has been selected to receive the Miwon Peace Prize! It is a true honor for the Bulletin and a testament to 80 years of amazing work by our founders, our community, our Boards, our leaders, and our team. thebulletin.org/2026/06/the-...
thebulletin.org
The Bulletin to be Awarded the Miwon Peace Prize
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is deeply honored to be the recipient of the second Miwon Peace Prize from the Kyung Hee University System. The The Bulletin wins peace prize in recognition of it...
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
One of his main justifications for leaving the JCPOA was that it did not cover ballistic missiles!!!!!
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 17/06/2026
On June 22, Genevieve Guenther @doctorvive.bsky.social and Michael E. Mann @michaelemann.bsky.social will join the Bulletin's Alexandra Bell @atomicbell.bsky.social to discuss recent developments in the study of climate change. Sign up to join this free virtual discussion below. ⬇️
pages.thebulletin.org
Climate Change: New Data, New Debate
On June 22, join the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to explore new developments in the field of Climate Change, the political debate around it, and how to understand the current outlook using the…
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
June Board Meeting completed. Conference starting.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 27/05/2026
Tomorrow, join the Bulletin for an expert virtual panel exploring the risks presented by the shifting global order and the changing role the United States government is playing in a new era of arms control.
pages.thebulletin.org
Too Good for Too Long? Arms Control, Foreign Policy, and the American People in 2026
On May 28, join the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to explore the risks of presented by the shifting global order and the changing role the US government is playing in a new era of proliferation.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
No consensus outcome at the NPT RevCon, but that does not change the bottom line: The world needs the NPT for our collective security. Going forward, it will be important to have leaders who understand the value and purpose of the NPT and will act accordingly.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 21/05/2026
Next Thursday, May 28, join the Bulletin for an expert virtual panel exploring the risks presented by the shifting global order and the changing role the United States government is playing in a new era of proliferation.
pages.thebulletin.org
Too Good for Too Long? Arms Control, Foreign Policy, and the American People in 2026
On May 28, join the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to explore the risks of presented by the shifting global order and the changing role the US government is playing in a new era of proliferation.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 16/05/2026
Atlantic columnist and US Naval War College professor emeritus Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social delves into the tumultuous political situation in the United States and its impact on US foreign policy, and what that means for the prospects for new nuclear arms control agreements.
thebulletin.org
Tom Nichols on the arms control process, in the second Trump era
Self-described as “old-school about the Constitution,” Atlantic columnist Tom Nichols delves into the tumultuous current political situation in the United States and its impact on US foreign policy,…
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 13/05/2026
For this issue of the Bulletin magazine, we asked an array of imaginative experts for their ideas on avoiding a renewed nuclear arms race in a world stripped of arms control architecture so carefully built during the Cold War, and so carelessly cast aside during the last decade. buff.ly/NRlt54U
Published today: "The very uncertain future of arms control." Read more at www.thebulletin.org.

The magazine cover shows a graveyard with various weakened or expired treaties, including the Open Skies treaty and the INF treaty. In the foreground is a gravestone that says: "Arms Control, 1946 - "
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Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Trump on Iran War: Reporter: What extent are Americans’ financial situation motivating you to make a deal? Trump: Not even a little bit. I don't think about Americans’ financial situation
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Justin Hendrix @justinhendrix.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Washington Post satellite imagery analysis finds Iran strikes on US installations far more accurate and effective than disclosed; US bases unprepared for drones. "The amount of destruction is far larger than what has been publicly acknowledged by the U.S. government or previously reported."
washingtonpost.com
Iran has hit far more U.S. military assets than reported, satellite images show
Imagery published by Iranian state-affiliated media and verified by The Post shows damage to at least 228 structures or pieces of equipment at U.S. military sites.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 04/05/2026
After 12 years as the Bulletin's editor in chief, John Mecklin @meckdevil.bsky.social is stepping down. If you're a deep thinker and top-flight journalist, here are the reasons you should want to replace him, from the man himself.
thebulletin.org
Take my job. Please.
After 12 years as the Bulletin's editor in chief, John Mecklin steps down. If you're a deep thinker and top-flight journalist, here's why you should want to replace him.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Big news!
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
NPT RevCon kicks off today. Let's hope for constructive engagement.
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Gretchen Goldman, PhD @gretchentg.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
On Friday, the Trump administration fired the National Science Board, a move that continues it's politicization at NSF and risks further interference at the nation's premier scientific research agency. My thoughts in a new post: blog.ucs.org/gretchen-gol...
blog.ucs.org
Cutting Science Out: Trump Administration Fires National Science Board Members
This is an attempt to silence independent scientists, shut down evidence-based decision making, and keep the public in the dark.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
The Pope and the Catholic Church have been extremely clear that we should build a world without nuclear weapons. This is something Trump himself has also said on repeated occasions, despite the lack of any actual action to achieve it.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Hot take: effective diplomacy requires trained professionals and patience.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
We are capable of great things.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 09/04/2026
Next Monday, April 13, the Bulletin will host a virtual panel on growing concerns around nuclear power plants becoming targets in war, particularly in Iran and Ukraine, and the implications for the future of nuclear energy. Watch on our YouTube channel. ⬇️
youtube.com
Targeting Nuclear Power
Since it began on February 28th, the war in the Middle East has targeted civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure. Civilian nuclear power pla...
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Alex Wellerstein @wellerstein.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
What a nuclear crisis looks like in NUKEMAP logs... these are hourly unique visitors over the last 24 hours, via Cloudflare.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Before tonight, every single Member of Congress should have to state whether or not they support killing "a whole civilization."
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 18/03/2026
What has President Trump achieved with the war in Iran? "The United States may have taken away some of Iran's nuclear capabilities—though crucially not its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and nascent bomb-making ability," writes Richard Nephew @richardmnephew.bsky.social.
thebulletin.org
Revisionism at Fordow: Why the WSJ is wrong about the history—and future—of Iran's nuclear program
The Wall Street Journal thinks Iran can't make rational choices in its strategic calculus. But Tehran has done so for nearly 25 years.
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Kori Schake @kschake.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
I was just disinvited from the Air War College where I’d been asked to lecture on my book, which is a history of U.S. civil-military relations.
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Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists @thebulletin.org · 01/03/2026
Join us for a discussion on the current situation in Iran this Monday at 3:15 pm CT/ 4:15 pm ET. www.youtube.com/live/RYKfoC-...
youtube.com
Conflict in Iran – Rapid Response
On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran, with immediate retaliation across the region from Tehran. Sources say that the attacks ...
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Joe Cirincione @joecirin.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Excellent analysis from Matt Bunn. Note the danger he cites that Iran still has a supply of 60% enriched uranium and deeply buried centrifuges that could spin it to bomb grade. This strike may have accelerated Iran’s efforts to get a bomb. What would Israel or the US do? Attack it?
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François Diaz-Maurin @francoisdm.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
🚨 JUST IN: Israel and the US strike Iran. It is a tragedy of Tehran's own making Iran's strategy worked. Only up to a point, Nicole Grajewski (@nicolegrajewski.bsky.social) writes in @thebulletin.org. #Iran #Israel #UnitedStates #war #nuclearrisk #nukesky
thebulletin.org
Israel and the US strike Iran. It is a tragedy of Tehran's own making
Iran's strategy rested on the critical assumption that the US administration preferred a deal to a war. It proved fatal on Saturday.
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atomicbell @atomicbell.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
The only thing more powerful than hate is love.
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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
ELDERS’ STATEMENT | The Elders urge USA, Russia to halt nuclear arms race as New START expires Putin and Trump must act urgently to secure a new deal, reduce nuclear risks and protect humanity. theelders.org/news/elders-... 1/2
The Elders urge USA, Russia to halt nuclear arms race
as New START expires.The world faces a destabilising nuclear arms race as the
New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between
the United States of America and the Russian Federation
expires on 5 February.
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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
The Doomsday Clock has moved four seconds closer to midnight. This is the consequence of world leaders’ lack of attention to the nuclear threat. thebulletin.org/doomsday-clo...
“The Doomsday Clock is a sign of leaders’ failure to act responsibly in the face of existential threats.

“They have not heeded the warnings of previous years, so once again the hands of the clock have moved even closer to midnight.”

Juan Manuel Santos
Chair of The Elders“The looming expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the USA means nuclear risks are likely to get even higher. This is intolerable. Humanity deserves better. Global citizens need to mobilise and make their voices heard, so leaders feel real and urgent pressure to change course.”

Juan Manuel Santos
Chair of The Elders
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