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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Capstone Conference

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

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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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On the Horizon Vol. 3: A Collection of Papers from the Next Generation

The authors featured in this publication were members of The Project on Nuclear Issues’ (PONI) 2020 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 — February 23, 2021

Nuclear Modernization under Competing Pressures

The Biden administration will face early decision points regarding the modernization of critical elements of the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise in an environment buffeted by competing forces and pressures.

Critical Questions by Joseph Rodgers and Rebecca Hersman — February 12, 2021

Arms Control Strategies for a New Administration

While the extension of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia is a critical step to promoting arms control strategies, the international environment is changing enough that new ideas and strategies are going to be necessary to ensure a secure future.

Critical Questions by Suzanne Claeys and Rebecca Hersman — February 4, 2021

Nuclear Proliferation Challenges Facing the Biden Administration

The Biden administration faces a number of challenges in nonproliferation, starting from traditional adversaries like Iran and North Korea but also involving traditional U.S. partners like Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey.

Critical Questions by Eric Brewer — February 4, 2021

Deep Dive Debrief: Strategic Stability and Competition in the Arctic

This brief focuses on the implications of climate, economic, and political trends in the Arctic region for strategic stability, great power competition, and nuclear stability, policy, and posture. It is the third in the Project on Nuclear Issues Deep Dive Debrief series.

Brief by Eric Brewer , Rebecca Hersman , and Maxwell Simon — January 6, 2021

U.S. Nuclear Warhead Modernization and “New” Nuclear Weapons

The brief examines the debate surrounding the development of U.S. nuclear warheads and whether the United States is creating “new” nuclear weapons. It examines the expansion of U.S. nuclear warhead capabilities and its implications for the U.S.-UK and NATO relations.

Brief by Joseph Rodgers , Rebecca Hersman , and Bryce Farabaugh — December 10, 2020

Online Event: International Security at the Nuclear Nexus (Day 2)

Nuclear weapons issues lie at the heart of a wide range of national and international security subject areas, such as conventional/nuclear integration as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence, cyber and space.

Event by Tom Karako , Ian Williams , Eric Brewer , Lindsey R. Sheppard , and Rebecca Hersman — October 22, 2020

Online Event: International Security at the Nuclear Nexus (Day 1)

Nuclear weapons issues lie at the heart of a wide range of national and international security subject areas, such as conventional/nuclear integration as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence, cyber and space.

Event by Kaitlyn Johnson , Eric Brewer , Morgan Dwyer , Kathleen H. Hicks , and Rebecca Hersman — October 21, 2020

Toward a More Proliferated World?

Nuclear proliferation pressures are increasing at a time when traditional U.S. counterproliferation measures face new challenges. This CSIS/CNAS joint report explores seven geopolitical trends shaping these factors and provides pragmatic recommendations to alter course.

Report by Eric Brewer , Ilan Goldenberg , Joseph Rodgers , Maxwell Simon , and Kaleigh Thomas — September 2, 2020