Ep 143. Suing Nuclear Powers, Cowboys and Indians Take On Keystone, a Festival for Fair and Free Elections

Breaking the Set season 2 episode 143 features a range of stories that highlight citizen activism and grassroots advocacy. The first segment explores a lawsuit brought by the Marshall Islands against nine nuclear powers, including the United States, China, and Russia. The lawsuit argues that these countries have failed to fulfill their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and are therefore in breach of international law. The segment features interviews with legal experts and representatives of the Marshall Islands, who discuss the significance of the case and the challenges involved in holding nuclear powers accountable.

The second segment of the episode focuses on the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial project that would transport oil from Canada's tar sands to the United States. The segment highlights the efforts of Native American activists and ranchers in South Dakota, who have formed an unlikely coalition to oppose the pipeline. The segment features interviews with members of the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, who discuss their concerns about the environmental and cultural impact of the pipeline and their strategies for building solidarity across diverse communities.

The final segment of the episode features coverage of a festival in Mexico City that seeks to promote fair and free elections. The festival, called Electoral Cultures, brings together artists, activists, and community organizers to explore creative and innovative approaches to political participation. The segment highlights the festival's various events, including workshops, performances, and exhibitions, and features interviews with participants who discuss the importance of grassroots mobilization in ensuring democratic accountability.

Taken together, these segments illustrate the power of citizen-led movements to challenge entrenched systems of power and build innovative alternatives. Whether through legal action against nuclear powers, resistance to corporate extraction projects, or creative approaches to electoral engagement, the individuals featured in this episode demonstrate the transformative potential of collective action and the importance of grassroots democracy.