Daniel Ellsberg

How to Stop a Nuclear War — with film director Paul Jay

How to Stop a Nuclear War — with film director Paul Jay

ByPaul Jay

On April 12, Paul Jay attended the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, where he discussed his upcoming documentary How to Stop a Nuclear War, based on the book The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg. The film, narrated by Emma Thompson, reveals how U.S. nuclear policy was built on secrecy, deception, and the willingness to risk global annihilation—and explores what can be done today to reduce the danger. Jay examines the fabricated threats and Cold War lies that justified the arms race and how these narratives continue to shape policy and public perception today. Jay will also discuss NATO and U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome.”

Paul Jay – Reflections on Daniel Ellsberg and Nuclear War
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Paul Jay – Reflections on Daniel Ellsberg and Nuclear War

ByPaul Jay

How did a Cold War nuclear planner become one of its biggest critics? Paul Jay traces Daniel Ellsberg’s journey from nuclear war planner to discovering the lies behind the “missile gap” with the Soviets. Jay exposes how defense industry executives and government officials manufactured the Cold War to keep military spending flowing after World War II. While the Soviet Union posed an ideological challenge, its military threat was deliberately exaggerated. The real goal? Using massive defense spending to stimulate the American economy while suppressing domestic opposition. The nuclear systems Ellsberg warned about remain active today. Jay’s upcoming film exposes how Cold War thinking continues to endanger us all – and what we can do about it.

‘The Day After’ Director Nicholas Meyer to Exec Produce Daniel Ellsberg Documentary ‘How to Stop Nuclear War’

‘The Day After’ Director Nicholas Meyer to Exec Produce Daniel Ellsberg Documentary ‘How to Stop Nuclear War’

ByThe Hollywood Reporter

“We’re going to blow ourselves to kingdom come,” the ‘Star Trek’ franchise director warns, 40 years after his ABC TV movie terrified viewers when it depicted a fictional nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Barbra Streisand Kept Pentagon Papers Leaker Daniel Ellsberg Out of Jail, Says Filmmaker

Barbra Streisand Kept Pentagon Papers Leaker Daniel Ellsberg Out of Jail, Says Filmmaker

ByThe Hollywood Reporter

Paul Jay, at work on ‘How to Stop a Nuclear War,’ a documentary based on Ellsberg’s book, tells THR about Streisand throwing a party to crucially fund the whistleblower’s legal defense fund and keep his trial going in 1973.

“The Most Dangerous Man” Turns 90 – Peter Kuznick on Daniel Ellsberg

“The Most Dangerous Man” Turns 90 – Peter Kuznick on Daniel Ellsberg

ByPaul Jay

On the occasion of the death of Daniel Ellsberg, we republish our interview with historian Peter Kuznick who looks at the significance of Ellsberg’s fight against America’s insane nuclear war strategy, his exposure of the lies of the Vietnam War and his continuing fight against the American war machine.

To His Last Breath, Daniel Ellsberg Fought to Save the World 

To His Last Breath, Daniel Ellsberg Fought to Save the World 

ByPaul Jay

Daniel Ellsberg, an extraordinary hero, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023. Dan fearlessly risked everything in his unwavering quest for social justice and opposition to war. He was not only a cherished friend but also a guiding light for me and countless others. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to engage in extensive interviews with Dan while working on our film, “How to Stop a Nuclear War.” I will miss his wisdom and radiant smile, but his warning to the world will be delivered. Please click to watch our interview on the occasion of Dan’s 90th birthday and a collection of our interviews. – Paul Jay 

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