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.

Featured Microsite

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

Sign up for PONI’s newsletters!

Nuclear Policy News
Monthly Newsletters

Contact

Media Queries

Upcoming Events

Featured Analysis

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

Featured Event

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.

Learn More

All Project on Nuclear Issues Content

Filter by

11 - 20 of 224 results

Why Russia Is Changing Its Nuclear Doctrine Now

Putin’s changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine show increased reliance on nuclear weapons for coercion in the Ukraine war. By expanding nuclear use conditions, Russia aims to deter Western aid and divide European allies, signaling a greater willingness to escalate.

Commentary by Heather Williams — September 27, 2024

A New Nuclear Age?

As the United States enters a "new nuclear age," the Pentagon’s approach is based on three assumptions: coordinated adversarial behavior, limited nuclear employment, and the failure of arms control. Despite some evidence, none should be considered forgone conclusions.

Commentary by Reja Younis — August 20, 2024

Audio Briefs

A New Nuclear Age?

An audio version of “A New Nuclear Age?,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Reja Younis. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Reja Younis — August 20, 2024

Audio Briefs

How Are Cyberattacks Fueling North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions?

Last week, the United States and others accused a North Korean hacker group of global cyber espionage supporting North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Coordinated efforts among the U.S. government, allies, and the private sector are essential to combat this threat.

Critical Questions by Doreen Horschig — July 31, 2024

Audio Briefs

How Are Cyberattacks Fueling North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions?

An audio version of “How Are Cyberattacks Fueling North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Doreen Horschig. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Doreen Horschig — July 31, 2024

Audio Briefs

Why Did China and Russia Stage a Joint Bomber Exercise near Alaska?

On July 24, the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two Chinese and two Russian bombers flying near Alaska. This incident was the first of its kind and could signal a growing willingness on the part of Beijing and Moscow to test American resolve.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams, Kari A. Bingen, and Lachlan MacKenzie — July 30, 2024

Debating Global South Reactions to Russian Nuclear Threats

Russia is responsible for its nuclear saber-rattling, not the countries in the Global South. Global South countries have condemned nuclear saber-rattling publicly in regional and international forums, even if some of them have not called out Russia explicitly. 

Commentary by Heather Williams and J. Luis Rodriguez — July 30, 2024