Latest news with #EmilyCrawford
SBS Australia
13 hours ago
- Science
- SBS Australia
The Australian push to rewrite the rules of nuclear launches
Rising tension in the Middle East and South Asia has heightened fears of a war between nuclear-armed nations, something that threatens human existence, an Australian academic says. A rise in nuclear posturing and rhetoric in recent years has also prompted renewed calls for international safeguards to prevent accidental or unauthorised nuclear launches. A new study conducted by professor Emily Crawford from the University of Sydney Law School warns urgent action is needed to address the growing risks posed by nuclear weapons. "Increasing political tensions in declared and non-declared nuclear states have brought back into sharp focus the need to better regulate nuclear weapons," she said. The study highlights a combination of ageing nuclear infrastructure, emerging AI capabilities, and a lack of global cooperation as key factors creating what it describes as an "unstable and dangerous landscape". So how do nuclear systems operate — and is an accidental launch actually possible? Countries possessing nuclear weapons use NC3 systems, which stand for nuclear command, control and communications, Crawford explained. She said the NC3 systems are the central nervous system of a state's nuclear weapons program, which includes the people, policies, and technologies responsible for nuclear decision-making. "It's the framework that governs the process that, as its ultimate end product, results in the launch of a nuclear weapon — so it's a phrase that encompasses the entire chain from when a decision is made to launch a nuclear weapon to the actual launch of such a weapon," she said. NC3 also includes the maintenance of nuclear systems, ensuring that planning and execution are conducted according to stated doctrine and policy. Different countries have varying approaches to their NC3 systems, meaning the threshold for when a nuclear weapon could be launched is not universal. In many countries, the NC3 infrastructure is ageing, which can pose a security risk to the entire world. "There is currently no binding international legal standard that governs how nuclear-armed states design or operate their NC3 systems," Crawford said. "This gap in governance poses a real risk to global security — and it's only growing." NC3 frameworks are designed to prevent accidental or unlawful launches, but Crawford warned they are increasingly under strain. In many countries, the NC3 infrastructure is outdated, with some hardware dating back several decades. She said these legacy systems are often poorly suited to handle modern threats, especially those involving cyberattacks or AI. "In a world where AI tools can mimic official communications and cyber incursions can scramble critical infrastructure, the possibility of a false alarm triggering an escalation is no longer far-fetched," Crawford said. In such a high-stakes environment, even a single NC3 failure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Crawford said in 2025, there have been growing concerns around disinformation and hacking campaigns targeting early warning systems. Crawford's study calls for an international code of conduct that countries could adopt to establish a universal approach to nuclear systems. "A commitment to ensuring that there is an accountable chain of command involved in any nuclear weapons launch decisions, a commitment to the concept that the decision to launch a weapon should never lie with just one person, to keep AI out of nuclear launch decisions, and a commitment to 'no first strike'— that nuclear weapons would never be used offensively by a party who were not themselves subject to a nuclear attack," she said. This could be modelled off a similar framework, like the Missile Technology Control Regime — an initiative of the G7 member states from the 1980s to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Crawford believes such a framework could be successful, as many states have already adopted most of the rules she outlined in her study. "Because of the potentially devastating impacts of an accidental or unauthorised launch, most states have been very pragmatic about embracing guidelines that ensure that lines of communication remain open [such as nuclear hotlines] and that measures should exist to prevent unnecessary escalation of hostilities where nuclear weapons are in the mix," she said. "The US, UK and China have stated their commitment to not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states or nuclear-weapons free zones; China adopts a 'no first use' policy, as does India; France adopts the two-person rule." But she acknowledged not all countries would support universal guidelines, as political differences may lead some to reject certain rules.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brownwood moves forward with $18M for downtown master plan phase 1
BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — The City of Brownwood is moving forward with a plan that has been a long time in the making. For more than a year, officials in Brownwood have been working to revitalize the downtown area, presenting a master plan in February 2024. Fast-forward to May 2025, and now the Brownwood city council has approved the 18-million-dollar budget for the project, giving a green light for Phase 1 of the revitalization project. All of this took place at the May 13th City Council Meeting. Deputy City Manager Marshal McIntosh presented the certificates of obligation to the council, not to exceed $18 million, and is set to publish a notice of intention in the Brownwood Bulletin. The council unanimously voted to approve this debt through a certificate of obligation, which allows them to take on this debt without voter approval. City manager Emily Crawford emphasized that while it will be funded by property taxes, it will not raise the current rate of 69 cents per one-hundred-dollar value. Brownwood designated as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community Mayor Stephen Haynes explained that with warmer weather, he has been noticing more foot traffic in the downtown area and is ready to see that continued growth. 'My family, we were all downtown Saturday morning, and it was busy. Now that people are out and going to the bakery and shops, it's nice to see,' explained Mayor Haynes. 'Those things are not going to continue until we do our part.' Phase 1 includes street improvements to Baker and Fisk Streets, the development of Fisk Art Park, and the creation of a park at the site of the historic silos. Council member Ed McMillian shared that this will provide an economic boost for businesses and tourism while improving the quality of life. 'Our young people, they're moving back to live, and this is what we're making. We're making something to improve the City of Brownwood,' added McMillian. VIDEO: Brownwood's Riverside Park reopens after $3 million expansion Council member Draco Miller explained that this project has been received with overall positivity. Many citizens, groups, organizations, businesses, downtown and not downtown, had the opportunity to see, comment, and give feedback. It is my understanding that there was a large majority in favor of the Phase 1 project,' said Miller. You can learn more here: Downtown Plan | Brownwood, TX – Official Website Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
