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: 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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PONI 2025 Virtual Winter Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2025 Virtual Winter Conference on February 11. The theme of this conference is “Strengthening U.S. Alliances and Partnerships.”

Event — February 11, 2025

PONI Live Debate: AI Integration in NC3

Join PONI on January 24, 2025, for a live debate between ASP senior associate Sarah Mineiro and CNAS executive vice president and director of studies Paul Scharre on AI integration in NC3. 

Event — January 24, 2025

What Does India’s Hypersonic Missile Test Mean?

On November 16, India announced the test launch of its first long-range hypersonic missile. This missile makes India one of the few nuclear-armed countries to possess this technology, highlighting the intensifying global race for hypersonic technology.

Critical Questions by Diya Ashtakala — December 2, 2024

Reviving Chemical Weapons Accountability in a Multipolar World

Next week's 29th Session of the Conference of States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is an opportunity to revitalize accountability and global cooperation in an age of impunity.

Commentary by Natasha Hall and Doreen Horschig — November 21, 2024

Report Launch: Project Atom 2024

Please join the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 9:00 am ET, for the launch of its report, Project Atom 2024. 

Event — November 20, 2024

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

Why Striking Iranian Nuclear Facilities Is a Bad Idea

Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could escalate tensions and push Tehran further towards nuclear weapons development. Diplomacy, although slow, remains the only viable way to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Commentary by Doreen Horschig — October 25, 2024

PONI 2024 Fall Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2024 Fall Conference on the two peer challenge at Stanford University on September 27th. 

Event — September 27, 2024