Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy

Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy explores the antinuclear movement's successful campaign to ban the bomb, highlighting the process of diplomats, activists, and nuclear survivors working together to elevate the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons, develop new international law, challenge the nuclear orthodoxy, and strengthen norms for disarmament and peace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 438 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield International

Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy: A Journey Through the Antinuclear Movement and Its Successful Campaign to Ban the Bomb
Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy offers a captivating and comprehensive look into the antinuclear movement and its recent triumph in achieving a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons. Through a combination of scrappy organizing, strategic advocacy, and unwavering dedication, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) has made significant strides in elevating the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons, challenging the nuclear orthodoxy, and strengthening norms for disarmament and peace.

Written by Acheson, a queer feminist antimilitarist organizer who was involved in the process from its inception to the treaty's adoption, the book provides valuable insights into the process through which diplomats, activists, and nuclear survivors worked together to achieve this historic victory. It utilizes interviews with dozens of participants, as well as critical theoretical perspectives about transnational advocacy networks, discourse change, and intersectional feminist action, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by those working towards disarmament and peace.

One of the key strengths of Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy is its ability to provide a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the antinuclear movement. Acheson highlights the diverse range of individuals and groups involved in the campaign, from grassroots activists to high-level diplomats, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and intersectionality in achieving success. She also explores the ways in which the campaign has challenged the nuclear orthodoxy, particularly in terms of the notion that nuclear weapons are necessary for security and stability.

Another significant aspect of the book is its examination of the role of feminist disarmament activism in the antinuclear movement. Acheson argues that feminist perspectives have been essential in shaping the campaign's goals and strategies, and that they have played a crucial role in challenging the gendered nature of nuclear weapons and the military. She highlights the work of organizations such as Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and the Women's International Network for Disarmament and Peace (WAND), which have been instrumental in promoting disarmament and peace.

Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy also provides a detailed account of the process through which the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons was negotiated and adopted. Acheson describes the intense negotiations that took place over several years, as well as the political and diplomatic challenges that were faced. She highlights the role of civil society organizations, including ICAN, in shaping the treaty's language and provisions, and emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism in mobilizing public support for the treaty.

One of the most significant achievements of the antinuclear movement is the landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons. The treaty, which was adopted in 2017, has been hailed as a major step towards a world free of nuclear weapons. It prohibits the development, production, testing, deployment, and possession of nuclear weapons, and requires states to take steps towards disarmament. The treaty has also established a framework for international cooperation and monitoring, and has provided a platform for civil society organizations to advocate for disarmament and peace.

However, the journey towards a world free of nuclear weapons is far from over. There are still many challenges that need to be addressed, including the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the threat of nuclear terrorism, and the impact of nuclear weapons on the environment. Acheson argues that it is essential to continue to build on the momentum of the UN treaty and to work towards a more comprehensive and sustainable disarmament agenda.

One of the key challenges facing the antinuclear movement is the need to address the gendered nature of nuclear weapons and the military. Acheson argues that women have been disproportionately affected by nuclear weapons, both in terms of their physical health and their social and economic well-being. She highlights the work of organizations such as WILPF and WAND in promoting gender equality and women's rights in the context of disarmament and peace.

Another challenge facing the antinuclear movement is the need to address the political and economic interests that are tied to the nuclear industry. Acheson argues that the nuclear industry is a major contributor to climate change, and that it is essential to transition to a more sustainable and renewable energy system. She highlights the work of organizations such as the Climate Action Network and the Greenpeace International in promoting climate action and reducing the use of fossil fuels.

In addition to its examination of the antinuclear movement, Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy also provides a range of practical tools and strategies for those working towards disarmament and peace. Acheson offers a series of case studies and examples of successful disarmament campaigns, and provides advice on how to build and sustain a grassroots movement. She also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in advocacy and the need to work across different social and political divides.

One of the most important lessons that Acheson draws from her experience in the antinuclear movement is the importance of building and sustaining a strong and diverse movement. She argues that a movement that is too narrow or focused on a single issue is unlikely to be successful in achieving its goals. She emphasizes the need to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, the media, and the public, and to work towards building a movement that is inclusive and representative of all voices.

In conclusion, Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy is a must-read for anyone interested in the antinuclear movement and its successful campaign to ban the bomb. Acheson's book provides a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the movement, and offers valuable insights into the process through which diplomats, activists, and nuclear survivors worked together to achieve this historic victory. By highlighting the diverse range of individuals and groups involved in the campaign, and by examining the role of feminist disarmament activism, the book provides a blueprint for building and sustaining a strong and diverse movement for disarmament and peace.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786614902