Project on Nuclear Issues

Founded in 2003, PONI is the premier networked community of next generation professionals prepared to meet the nuclear challenges of the future

PONI programs provide inclusive, diverse, and creative opportunities for emerging experts to learn about nuclear issues and engage thoughtfully with the nuclear community. PONI also conducts cutting-edge research and analysis on three main topic areas: deterrence and escalation, risk reduction and arms control, and disarmament.

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Next Generation Nuclear Network

CSIS launched the Project on Nuclear Issues in 2003 to develop the next generation of policy, technical and operational nuclear professionals through outreach, mentorship, research and debate.

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Photo: CSIS

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Conference

Capstone Conference

Hosted by Project on Nuclear Issues
June 15, 2023 • 8:30 am – 3:45 pm EDT

Featured Analysis

Photo: Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Alternative Nuclear Futures: Capability and Credibility Challenges for U.S. Extended Nuclear Deterrence

In the next 10 years, U.S. extended deterrence could look notably different than it does today. To explore these issues, the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues used an alternative futures methodology to unpack how key drivers might affect the U.S. extended deterrence mission.

Report by Heather Williams , Kelsey Hartigan , Joseph Rodgers , and Reja Younis — May 8, 2023

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In Person

Capstone Conference

Presented by Project on Nuclear Issues
June 15, 2023 • 8:30 am – 3:45 pm EDT
Featured Project: Deterrence 101

Deterrence 101 is a collection of three thirty-minute long videos that explore core deterrence theory. Each video describes basic deterrence concepts, roots these ideas in a historical timeline, and features interviews with leading nuclear policy experts.

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2023 Fall Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2023 Fall Conference on October 25 and 26 at CSIS. The conference will explore the impact of emerging technologies on nuclear security. A call for presentation proposals and registration for conference attendees are forthcoming.

Event by Kelsey Hartigan and Lachlan MacKenzie — October 25, 2023

2023 Summer Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2023 Summer Conference at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on July 26 and 27. PONI is now soliciting applications for the conference.

Event by Heather Williams , Joseph Rodgers , and Lachlan MacKenzie — July 26, 2023

Capstone Conference

PONI will host its Capstone Conference at Offutt Air Force Base on June 15. Registration to attend the event is now open.

Event by Kelsey Hartigan , Jessica Link , and Lachlan MacKenzie — June 15, 2023

On the Horizon Vol. 5: A Collection of Papers from the Next Generation

The authors featured in this publication were members of The Project on Nuclear Issues' (PONI) 2022 Nuclear Scholars Class. The PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative is a select group of rising next-gen voices, comprised of graduate students and young professionals.

Report by Reja Younis and Jessica Link — February 28, 2023

Irreversibility in Nuclear Disarmament

While "irreversibility" has been a component of nuclear disarmament efforts for decades, it remains understudied. This CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues report brings together several authors to explore potential approaches and challenges to irreversible nuclear disarmament.

Report by Heather Williams , Jessica Link , and Joseph Rodgers — February 28, 2023

Russia Suspends New START and Increases Nuclear Risks

Putin’s suspension of New START furthers the demise of arms control, eliminating one of the few remaining forums for dialogue between Moscow and Washington at a time of rising nuclear risk. Furthermore, it signals Russia’s increasing reliance on nuclear weapons.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams — February 23, 2023

Future Steps for U.S.-ROK Extended Deterrence Consultations

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's trip to South Korea last week marked some forward progress, but there is more that can and should be done to shore up U.S. extended deterrence commitments and prepare for future proliferation scenarios. 

Commentary by Kelsey Hartigan — February 10, 2023