Call for Papers: Intersectional and Gendered Perspectives on Nuclear Weapons and Their Impacts

I. Background and objectives

Nuclear weapons use, as well as its development and testing, can have devasting consequences for all of society. In addition to the humanitarian risks and consequences, scholarly research on nuclear weapons, nuclear testing and nuclear energy production has shed light on how such policies can contribute to increasing inequalities, notably based on gender and other discriminatory grounds within societies. For instance, research has shown that nuclear tests affected predominantly certain groups of the population (mostly indigenous people and people of colour living nearby); the construction of nuclear facilities has too often led to the displacement of indigenous peoples and other vulnerable minority communities; and the conduct of nuclear diplomacy has historically been the prerogative of men diplomats, while women diplomats, and particularly women of colour, are still underrepresented in this area.

Despite the availability of scholarly research in this area, the lessons they bring have yet to be systematized and translated into policy tools. In order to bridge this gap, UNIDIR is issuing a call for papers focusing on analysing the linkages between nuclear weapons and markers of gender, race and identity. From an intersectional and gendered perspective, this edited volume will allow for a better understanding of issues like the humanitarian consequences of exposure to nuclear risk for all groups of the population, the impact of ionizing radiation, and the ability to access medical care, among others. This research project also aims to connect gender and nuclear weapons with environmental issues.

II. Thematic scope

We welcome proposals for policy papers addressing the following topics, among others:

• Intersectionality and humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons projects;
• New avenues for research on sex-specific and gendered impacts of ionizing radiation;
• Case studies of policy interventions addressing humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons projects;
• Best practices for gender- and age-sensitive assistance to survivors of nuclear weapons testing;
• Case studies of projects led by affected communities and survivors of nuclear weapons testing, as well as by their representative organizations;
• Gendering the implementation of the existing nuclear disarmament framework: the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as well as the TPNW Vienna Action Plan;
• The nexus between nuclear policies and (in)equality;
• Intersectional analysis and nuclear policymaking;
• Inclusive leadership in the nuclear field;
• Inclusive practices for international cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament;
• Intersectional approaches to research and teaching in the nuclear field;
• Gender/race/ethnicity and nuclear diplomacy;
• Human rights and nuclear weapons;
• Nuclear weapons and the Women, Peace and Security agenda;
• Feminist perspectives connecting gender, nuclear weapons and environmental issues.

Proposals should build on scholarly literature, as well as factual information. They can focus on issues at local, national, regional and/or global levels. Final papers are expected to include recommendations to help redress gender and other social inequalities in nuclear research and/or policy.

III. Eligibility

We welcome abstracts from individuals affiliated with universities, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations.

UNIDIR is committed to geographical diversity and gender balance in the authorship of the papers and is actively seeking submissions from authors from different fields and backgrounds (i.e. practitioners, policy makers, academics and technologists).

Successful applicants are expected to participate in research workshops organized by UNIDIR’s Gender and Disarmament programme in order to discuss findings and receive feedback from research and policy actors.

IV. Abstracts

Abstracts shall present a short summary of the proposed paper and shall not exceed 800 words in length (excluding references and footnotes). They must be submitted in English.

Each abstract must have, at least, the following headings:

1. Introduction
2. Objective(s)
3. Methodology
4. Expected contribution/ policy relevance

V. Key dates

• Deadline for abstract (800 words) and CV submission: 15 June 2023
• Notification of acceptance: 15 July 2023
• 1^st research workshop (virtual): August 2023
• 2^nd research workshop (virtual): October 2023
• Full paper (max 6.000 words) submission: 30 October 2023