A World Beyond War
Revered peace activist Kathy Kelly responds to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
In this episode of Nonviolence Radio, hosts Stephanie Van Hook and Michael Nagler speak with Kathy Kelly, board president of World Beyond War, about the urgent need to move beyond militarism and the false promises of security through violence. Sparked by a recent speech from U.S. official Pete Hegseth glorifying lethality and dismissing pacifism, the conversation dives into the deeper truths about human nature, real security, and the power of nonviolent action. Kathy, a lifelong peace activist, contrasts militarism’s destructiveness with the courage and coordination of nonviolent efforts like the Global Sumud Flotilla, and Michael joins with insights from science and history affirming our innate capacity for cooperation.
Transcript available at our show archive, with gratitude to Elizabeth High.
And a bonus!
Our dear friend John Blue was inspired by a Hope Tank he attended at the Metta Center’s office on the International Day of Nonviolence to compose a complete and thorough re-imagining of Secretary Hegseth’s speech! Enjoy it here.
In Other News:
Our friend Amery came to town for our Hope Tank and general nonviolence study with Metta for a few days, and as part of his visit, he did a pop up art installation in the small town of Tomales, California of the “two hands of nonviolence.” If you’ve screened the Third Harmony and have taken one of our wonderful trainings, you will be very familiar with what these mean: I am not willing to put up with your injustice, but I’m open to you as a human being.
You can join us for a film screening and nonviolence training THIS SUNDAY, October 12 in preparation for the next round of “No Kings” rallies or for general nonviolence inspiration—whatever speaks to you. REGISTER HERE. Please share with your communities.
And if you’re inspired by any of this, please make a donation to support our work!
Wishing you a weekend of good things.
Stephanie for the Metta Team.