| Dear Friends and Colleagues,
On 28 January, the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to catastrophe, underscoring among others, the existential threat from nuclear weapons and the urgent need for disarmament.
In light of this announcement, we invited APLN members Ganewati Wuryandari, Melissa Parke, Amit Sharma, and Lim Eunjung to analyse how the Doomsday Clock warning echoes in the Asia-Pacific region and to outline policy priorities to address the growing threats. APLN Chair Marty Natalegawa reflects on the distinct shift in regional security dynamics from 2011 to 2025, in the first APLN Korea Times column of the year. We also published an interpretive essay by Desmond Doulatram, highlighting the pivotal role of women as peacemakers in advocating for nuclear justice, within the cultural, historical, and political context of the Marshall Islands.
As regards this month’s project activities, we hosted a one-day workshop in Tokyo, where experts shared their insights on how the understanding of strategic stability and deterrence in Northeast Asia has evolved in recent years, and what policy solutions can address the concurrent challenges. We also announced our upcoming webinar on 20 February, which will examine how Cross-Strait relations are expected to evolve under the Trump 2.0 administration. I look forward to your participation.
Finally, as I plan to take time off over the next few months on maternity leave, my esteemed colleague Manpreet Sethi will be stepping in as Acting Director, capably leading APLN in my stead. Thank you all for your continued support, and I look forward to reconnecting with you upon my return. |
