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 creative opportunities for emerging experts from a wide range of backgrounds 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: Flashmovie via Adobe Stock

Project Atom 2024: Intra-War Deterrence in a Two-Peer Environment

There is a growing risk that U.S. adversaries might resort to nuclear use in a regional conflict. To help address for this threat, the Project on Nuclear Issues invited a group of experts to develop competing strategies for responding to strategic deterrence failure.

Report by Heather Williams, Reja Younis, Lachlan MacKenzie, Christopher A. Ford, Rebecca Davis Gibbons, Ankit Panda, Melanie W. Sisson, and Gregory Weaver — November 18, 2024

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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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What Factors Drive U.S.-Israeli Differences on Iran’s Nuclear Challenge?

U.S.-Israeli differences over the Iranian nuclear challenge are growing. With Washington signaling interests in diplomacy and Israel advocating for military action, their diverging strategies could affect strategic alignment and coordination.

Critical Questions by Doreen Horschig and Bailey Schiff — April 4, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Factors Drive U.S.-Israeli Differences on Iran’s Nuclear Challenge?

An audio version of “What Factors Drive U.S.-Israeli Differences on Iran’s Nuclear Challenge?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Doreen Horschig and Bailey Schiff. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Doreen Horschig and Bailey Schiff — April 4, 2025

Audio Briefs

Why Does the United States Need a More Flexible Nuclear Force?

Deterrence is emerging as a theme for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, but questions remain about the Trump administration’s ability to deliver and maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams and Lachlan MacKenzie — April 3, 2025

Audio Briefs

Why Does the United States Need a More Flexible Nuclear Force?

An audio version of “Why Does the United States Need a More Flexible Nuclear Force?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Heather Williams and Lachlan MacKenzie. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Heather Williams and Lachlan MacKenzie — April 3, 2025

Audio Briefs

CSIS European Trilateral Track 2 Nuclear Dialogues

Political shifts and a rapidly changing security environment continue to reinforce the importance of close collaboration and unity between the United States, the United Kingdom, and France as responsible nuclear weapons states and NATO alliance members.

Report by Heather Williams — April 1, 2025

Europe's Nuclear Future

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on the future of European rearmament, nuclear deterrence, and transatlantic relations.

Event — March 11, 2025

Can France and the United Kingdom Replace the U.S. Nuclear Umbrella?

As doubts grow over U.S. nuclear commitments, Germany’s new chancellor has sparked debate on whether France and the United Kingdom could provide a European nuclear umbrella. But with strategic and doctrinal hurdles ahead, is Europe ready to reshape its nuclear deterrence?

Critical Questions by Astrid Chevreuil and Doreen Horschig — March 4, 2025

What is the "Iron Dome for America"?

CSIS Defense and Security Department Senior Fellows Tom Karako, Heather Williams, and Kari Bingen discuss the implications of the "Iron Dome for America" executive order for the strategic force. 

Event — February 11, 2025