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

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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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Upcoming
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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NC3: Challenges Facing the Future System

This brief is the first in the PONI Deep Dive Debrief series that explores emerging or contentious nuclear challenges. It focuses on emerging political, informational, and fiscal risks to U.S. nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture.

Brief by Suzanne Claeys , Eric Brewer , and Rebecca Hersman — July 9, 2020

Will U.S. Sanctions Snapback Force Iran Out of the NPT?

The United States is prepared to "snapback" sanctions on Iran, but Tehran has warned that move could push it out of the NPT, paving Iran’s way for nuclear weapons. How like is it that Iran abandons the treaty, and what should the United States do if it happens?

Commentary by Eric Brewer — May 15, 2020

On the Horizon Vol. 2: A Collection of Papers from the Next Generation

In this report, the 2019 PONI Nuclear Scholars touched upon a variety of nuclear security issues ranging from the future of arms-control treaties, the role of AI and cyber resilience in nuclear security, to regional dynamics as it pertains to nuclear weapons.

Report by Rebecca Hersman — April 9, 2020

Under The Nuclear Shadow: Situational Awareness Technology and Crisis Decisionmaking

Information dominance has been essential to ensuring U.S. military effectiveness, sustaining the credibility and assurance of military alliances, and stabilizing or reducing the risks of miscalculation or collateral damage. But can there be too much of a good thing?

Report by Reja Younis , Rebecca Hersman , Bryce Farabaugh , Bethany Goldblum , and Andrew Reddie — March 18, 2020

Decisionmaking and Technology Under the Nuclear Shadow

Please join the Project on Nuclear Issues at CSIS on February 18th for a half-day conference, “Decision-making and Technology Under the Nuclear Shadow.” 

Event by Dr. Robert Jervis , Dr. Peter W. Singer , Avril Haines , Kathleen H. Hicks , Eric Brewer , and Rebecca Hersman — February 18, 2020

Iran’s Recent Nuclear Announcement in the Context of Rising Regional Tensions

On January 5—amidst quickly escalating tensions between the United States and Iran—Tehran announced its latest steps to walk back its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal. CSIS’s Eric Brewer analyzes the rationale behind Iran’s strategy and what is likely to happen next.

Critical Questions by Eric Brewer — January 6, 2020

PONI 2019 Winter Conference

The PONI Conference Series, is unique in its emphasis on featuring rising experts and young professionals in the nuclear field.

Event by Eric Brewer , Rebecca Hersman , Ellen M Lord , and Rose Gottemoeller — December 11, 2019