Scott Nolan Smith
@scottnolansmith.com
Comms @nti.org with a focus on our global biological, AI, and emerging tech programs.
International affairs, global security, science, tech, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
International affairs, global security, science, tech, coffee, travel + more.
☕🗺⚽️📷👨💻
📍 Washington, DC area
🔗 http://scottnolansmith.com
"Reprocessing belongs to a bygone era—not today’s nuclear energy resurgence. It has failed on cost, failed on security, and failed to deliver real benefits." www.nti.org/risky-busine...
To Lead in Nuclear Energy, the U.S. and Korea Must Avoid the Reprocessing Trap
One of the most consequential decisions countries will face is whether to take a costly detour into nuclear fuel reprocessing, a technology that has failed every promise it has made.
www.nti.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:59 PM
"Reprocessing belongs to a bygone era—not today’s nuclear energy resurgence. It has failed on cost, failed on security, and failed to deliver real benefits." www.nti.org/risky-busine...
'The BWC has a really important role in shaping the intent of states, making the norm really strong, and making the consequences of violating the norm unacceptable' — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social joins Global Dispatches to discuss the BWC and ways to strengthen the treaty.
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
When Treaties Work: The Biological Weapons Convention
YouTube video by Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 9:56 PM
'The BWC has a really important role in shaping the intent of states, making the norm really strong, and making the consequences of violating the norm unacceptable' — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social joins Global Dispatches to discuss the BWC and ways to strengthen the treaty.
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
youtu.be/H-gbs5T8Nrc?...
USAID saved more lives per dollar than any US agency — delivering impact through cooperation, not coercion. The agency's destruction has caused the deaths an estimated 600,000, mostly children—and the toll will continue to rise.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
www.newyorker.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:41 PM
USAID saved more lives per dollar than any US agency — delivering impact through cooperation, not coercion. The agency's destruction has caused the deaths an estimated 600,000, mostly children—and the toll will continue to rise.
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issues. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Why A House of Dynamite is a Wake-Up Call for Gen Z
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging Gen Z requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issue...
www.nti.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:27 AM
To younger generations, nuclear threats often feel like a thing of the past. Engaging requires new tools, like art and film, to connect with people in ways they understand and humanize the issues. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
“Wise American policy would maintain, rather than disrupt, patterns of interdependence that strengthen American power, both the hard power derived from trade relationships and the soft power of attraction.” www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Soft power: Not just winning hearts and minds, but saving lives
Harvard Kennedy School's Professor Joseph Nye has transformed the way we think about international relations.
www.hks.harvard.edu
November 4, 2025 at 4:26 PM
“Wise American policy would maintain, rather than disrupt, patterns of interdependence that strengthen American power, both the hard power derived from trade relationships and the soft power of attraction.” www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
"The only way to prevent another catastrophic nuclear detonation is to eliminate nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth. We can never be safe while living in a house made of dynamite," writes Hiroshima governor and president of Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, Hidehiko Yuzaki.
Fictional nuclear threat serves a reminder of the past horrors, potential devastation
The governor of Hiroshima hopes those who watch Netflix's "A House of Dynamite" — in which a deadly missile rushes toward Chicago — think about the risks of nuclear weapons and long term effects an…
chicago.suntimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
"The only way to prevent another catastrophic nuclear detonation is to eliminate nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth. We can never be safe while living in a house made of dynamite," writes Hiroshima governor and president of Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, Hidehiko Yuzaki.
What if 𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦 didn’t end at impact? What would ensue in the seconds, minutes, days, and months that follow, and how far would the effects ripple across the region, nation, and beyond? thebulletin.org/2025/10/the-...
The “House of Dynamite” sequel you didn’t know you needed
Assuming that the missile in "A House of Dynamite" carried a several-hundred-kiloton nuclear warhead and detonated directly above Chicago’s Loop, what would ensue in the seconds, minutes, days, and mo...
thebulletin.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
What if 𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦 didn’t end at impact? What would ensue in the seconds, minutes, days, and months that follow, and how far would the effects ripple across the region, nation, and beyond? thebulletin.org/2025/10/the-...
"Testing nuclear weapons is unnecessary for U.S. national security, unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same, and unwelcome in communities close to the test site." www.nti.org/news/stateme...
Statement from NTI CEO Ernest J. Moniz on President Trump’s Remarks on Nuclear Testing
"Testing nuclear weapons is unnecessary for U.S. national security, unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same, and unwelcome in communities close to the test site," said Moniz.
www.nti.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:12 PM
"Testing nuclear weapons is unnecessary for U.S. national security, unwise because it will invite our adversaries to do the same, and unwelcome in communities close to the test site." www.nti.org/news/stateme...
The threat of nuclear weapons spreading is real—and growing. But it’s not inevitable. Here are 5 things the U.S. can do to mitigate these threats. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
5 Big Things the U.S. Government Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Nuclear Weapons
By revamping its strategy, the United States can help build a safer future and prevent a new wave of proliferation.
www.nti.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The threat of nuclear weapons spreading is real—and growing. But it’s not inevitable. Here are 5 things the U.S. can do to mitigate these threats. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
From the Suez Canal blockage to Covid-19, we’ve seen how fragile global economic systems can be.
In an interconnected world, the economic ripple effects of nuclear weapons use would be catastrophic.
NTI’s Patricia Jaworek, Isabelle Williams, and Page Stoutland researched these effects. Read more ⤵️
In an interconnected world, the economic ripple effects of nuclear weapons use would be catastrophic.
NTI’s Patricia Jaworek, Isabelle Williams, and Page Stoutland researched these effects. Read more ⤵️
Global Nuclear Effects: Economic and Financial Fallout of Nuclear Use
Despite the high stakes, the economic and financial considerations of nuclear weapons use remain underexplored. This paper examines several decades of research on economic and financial effects of nuc...
www.nti.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:08 PM
From the Suez Canal blockage to Covid-19, we’ve seen how fragile global economic systems can be.
In an interconnected world, the economic ripple effects of nuclear weapons use would be catastrophic.
NTI’s Patricia Jaworek, Isabelle Williams, and Page Stoutland researched these effects. Read more ⤵️
In an interconnected world, the economic ripple effects of nuclear weapons use would be catastrophic.
NTI’s Patricia Jaworek, Isabelle Williams, and Page Stoutland researched these effects. Read more ⤵️
Innovation without due diligence is too risky a bet. #Biotech VCs must prioritize safeguards. impactalpha.com/with-oversig...
With oversight lagging, biotech VCs must lead on safety
Biosafety and biosecurity must become standard components of biotech VC due diligence. Learn why life sciences investors need to lead on risk management as oversight lags behind innovation, and how ea...
impactalpha.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Innovation without due diligence is too risky a bet. #Biotech VCs must prioritize safeguards. impactalpha.com/with-oversig...
“I am concerned that this bill could cause damage to pharmaceutical supply chains that are important for saving lives here in the U.S. and internationally.” — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social @nti.org www.science.org/content/arti...
Congress close to passing law that would freeze out certain Chinese biotechs
Latest version of Biosecure Act could raise costs for academic biology labs in an effort to prevent theft of Americans’ health data
www.science.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:52 PM
“I am concerned that this bill could cause damage to pharmaceutical supply chains that are important for saving lives here in the U.S. and internationally.” — @jaimeyassif.bsky.social @nti.org www.science.org/content/arti...
"For the future of humanity, let’s hope that the movie wakes people up to the nuclear nightmare festering in our house of dynamite and gets leaders back to the negotiating table." variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘House of Dynamite’ Is a Wake-Up Call on Nuclear Weapons
Kathryn Bigelow's 'House of Dynamite' is a wake-up call on nuclear weapons.
variety.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
"For the future of humanity, let’s hope that the movie wakes people up to the nuclear nightmare festering in our house of dynamite and gets leaders back to the negotiating table." variety.com/2025/film/ne...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is now streaming on @netflix.com. If you walk away from the film with questions, we have answers.
Head to NTI.org/a-house-of-dynamite to learn more.
Head to NTI.org/a-house-of-dynamite to learn more.
Breaking Down A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE
NTI breaks down the nuclear themes in "A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE," a new film from Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, opening in theaters October 10, 2025 and available on Netflix on October 24...
NTI.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:44 PM
A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE is now streaming on @netflix.com. If you walk away from the film with questions, we have answers.
Head to NTI.org/a-house-of-dynamite to learn more.
Head to NTI.org/a-house-of-dynamite to learn more.
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
We are pleased to announce that Christine Wormuth, a defense and national security leader who recently served as Secretary of the Army, is joining the Nuclear Threat Initiative as our new President and CEO.
Learn more about her now. ⤵️
www.nti.org/news/nti-boa...
Learn more about her now. ⤵️
www.nti.org/news/nti-boa...
October 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
We are pleased to announce that Christine Wormuth, a defense and national security leader who recently served as Secretary of the Army, is joining the Nuclear Threat Initiative as our new President and CEO.
Learn more about her now. ⤵️
www.nti.org/news/nti-boa...
Learn more about her now. ⤵️
www.nti.org/news/nti-boa...
“The march of conspiracy thinking from the margins to the mainstream now guiding public policy should be a wake-up call for all Americans. People are literally going to die from it as a result.” apnews.com/article/vacc...
Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century
More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year.
apnews.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM
“The march of conspiracy thinking from the margins to the mainstream now guiding public policy should be a wake-up call for all Americans. People are literally going to die from it as a result.” apnews.com/article/vacc...
𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦 isn't just a dramatic thriller—it's a wake-up call to the reality of nuclear risk and how close we are to catastrophe. www.vox.com/future-perfe...
October 15, 2025 at 8:09 PM
𝘈 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦 isn't just a dramatic thriller—it's a wake-up call to the reality of nuclear risk and how close we are to catastrophe. www.vox.com/future-perfe...
You've got questions. @nti.org has answers. Breaking down the nuclear themes in "A House of Dynamite," a new film from Kathryn Bigelow, in theaters today and available on Netflix on October 24. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Breaking Down A House of Dynamite
NTI breaks down the nuclear themes in "A House of Dynamite," a new film from Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, opening in theaters October 10, 2025 and available on Netflix on October 24...
www.nti.org
October 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
You've got questions. @nti.org has answers. Breaking down the nuclear themes in "A House of Dynamite," a new film from Kathryn Bigelow, in theaters today and available on Netflix on October 24. www.nti.org/analysis/art...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary, a new poll says
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary, a new poll says
A new poll shows trust in federal health policies is plummeting, and what — or who — people believe increasingly depends on their politics.
www.npr.org
October 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary, a new poll says
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
www.npr.org/sections/sho...
Reposted by Scott Nolan Smith
Got a tip recently about how Trump's tariffs are preventing libraries from sharing books, and causing their loaned books to get stuck or lost in other countries: www.404media.co/libraries-ca...
Libraries Can’t Get Their Loaned Books Back Because of Trump’s Tariffs
Libraries have shared their collections internationally for decades. Trump’s tariffs are throwing that system into chaos and can ‘hinder academic progress.’
www.404media.co
October 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Got a tip recently about how Trump's tariffs are preventing libraries from sharing books, and causing their loaned books to get stuck or lost in other countries: www.404media.co/libraries-ca...
Unlike past global security tech disruptions, today's change is driven more by markets than governments. The future of security depends on science & innovation that outpace the threats. To stay ahead, we need bold partnerships and new approaches. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Inside the Lab Powering U.S. National Security
Unlike past technological disruptions to global security which were driven by governments, market forces and business dominate today’s global innovation space. This includes working not only with thou...
www.nti.org
October 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Unlike past global security tech disruptions, today's change is driven more by markets than governments. The future of security depends on science & innovation that outpace the threats. To stay ahead, we need bold partnerships and new approaches. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
UN launches scientific panel focused on AI risks and opportunities and a new "Global Dialogue" on AI governance www.devex.com/news/un-laun...
UN launches two institutions to govern artificial intelligence
On Thursday, the U.N. launched a "Global Dialogue" and a new scientific panel to guide AI governance and bridge digital divides.
www.devex.com
September 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM
UN launches scientific panel focused on AI risks and opportunities and a new "Global Dialogue" on AI governance www.devex.com/news/un-laun...
Nuclear risks are growing more tangled, yet some policymakers dangerously ignore how deeply connected our world is — and how even a “targeted” nuclear strike could trigger global, cascading consequences. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
What Happens If Nuclear Deterrence Fails?
New research is beginning to reveal how nuclear use could trigger widespread environmental damage, economic disruption, societal upheaval, and global instability. A modern, evidence-based understandin...
www.nti.org
September 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Nuclear risks are growing more tangled, yet some policymakers dangerously ignore how deeply connected our world is — and how even a “targeted” nuclear strike could trigger global, cascading consequences. www.nti.org/risky-busine...
Trump announced an intention to harness AI to help uphold the international ban on bioweapons. @nti.org supports tech-driven solutions + our report recommends using AI to identify signals of high-risk or illicit activities. But tech alone is not enough. Full statement ⤵️ www.nti.org/news/nti-sup...
NTI Supports Tech-Driven Solutions to Modernize BWC Compliance
At the UN General Assembly President Trump announced his administration’s intention to harness artificial intelligence to help uphold the international ban on biological weapons.
www.nti.org
September 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Trump announced an intention to harness AI to help uphold the international ban on bioweapons. @nti.org supports tech-driven solutions + our report recommends using AI to identify signals of high-risk or illicit activities. But tech alone is not enough. Full statement ⤵️ www.nti.org/news/nti-sup...
The Pandemic Agreement is a historic step. Yet many low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges. With limited resources, data-driven decisions will be essential to implement the agreement. The Africa Health Security Index has been called "a gamechanger". www.nti.org/risky-busine...
From Agreement to Action: Strengthening Africa’s Health Security Through Data
The Pandemic Agreement is a historic step toward strengthening global systems to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemic and pandemic threats. Yet many low- and middle-income countries face significa...
www.nti.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The Pandemic Agreement is a historic step. Yet many low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges. With limited resources, data-driven decisions will be essential to implement the agreement. The Africa Health Security Index has been called "a gamechanger". www.nti.org/risky-busine...