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.

Photo: CSIS

Photo: CSIS

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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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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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Russian Nuclear Calibration in the War in Ukraine

How have Russia’s nuclear narratives evolved over the course of the war in Ukraine? To address this question and evaluate future nuclear risks, the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues conducted a study on Russian nuclear signaling during the first 18 months of the war.

Brief by Heather Williams, Kelsey Hartigan, Lachlan MacKenzie, and Reja Younis — February 23, 2024

The Uncertain Future of U.S.-Russia Arms Control

Time is running out for the United States and Russia to revive cooperation on arms control before the expiration of New START in 2026. Despite efforts from the Biden administration to kickstart progress, Russia remains an unwilling partner for the foreseeable future.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Adamopoulos — February 14, 2024

PONI Live Debate: U.S. Nuclear Targeting

The PONI Live Debate is back! Join us for a debate on U.S. Nuclear Targeting between Mr. Franklin Miller and Dr. James Acton on January 25th, 10am-11am ET.  

Event — January 25, 2024

China’s Waterlogged Missiles Don’t Matter

While recent reports of widespread corruption in China’s Strategic Rocket Force have rightly raised questions about the reliability of their nuclear forces, U.S. policymakers should not stray from current strategic plans and efforts to advance risk reduction with Beijing.

Commentary by Heather Williams — January 25, 2024

Information Pollution and What It Means for Arms Control

Over the past decade, Russia has stepped up its disinformation campaigns to erode trust in arms control. Russian disinformation campaigns have served as a low-cost tactic for Moscow to spread confusion and distrust in the United States and other Western democracies. 

Report by Joseph Rodgers — January 25, 2024

PONI Live Debate: U.S. Nuclear Targeting

The CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues hosted a live debate on U.S. Nuclear targeting between Mr. Franklin Miller and Dr. James Acton on January 25th.

Transcript — January 25, 2024

2023 Fall Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2023 Fall Conference on December 5 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 — December 5, 2023