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: iLab/CSIS

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Game On: Opportunities for Euro-Atlantic Strategic Stability and Arms Control

Europe is likely to remain a theater of instability despite pressure for a peace settlement in Ukraine. As the United States shifts toward the Indo-Pacific and Russia continues to pursue its territorial ambitions, what might arms control look like after the war in Ukraine?

Report by Heather Williams, Nicholas Adamopoulos, Lachlan MacKenzie, and Catherine Murphy — April 21, 2025

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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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Options for Targeting Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility

There are five main options for targeting Iran’s Fordow facility: the GBU-57, sustained Israeli strikes, sabotage, nuclear weapons, and diplomacy. Each varies in its potential impact on Iran’s nuclear program and carries distinct risks of escalation and response.

Commentary by Heather Williams — June 18, 2025

Israel and Iran At War: What Comes Next? 

CSIS experts Daniel Byman and Doreen Horschig join Mona Yacoubian to discuss current developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, moderated by Will Todman.

Event — June 17, 2025

Israel and Iran at War: What Comes Next?

CSIS experts Daniel Byman and Doreen Horschig join Mona Yacoubian to discuss current developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, moderated by Will Todman.

Transcript — June 17, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Do the Israeli Strikes Mean for Iran’s Nuclear Program?

An audio version of “⁠What Do the Israeli Strikes Mean for Iran’s Nuclear Program?⁠,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Heather Williams, Doreen Horschig, and Bailey Schiff. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Heather Williams, Doreen Horschig, and Bailey Schiff — June 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Do the Israeli Strikes Mean for Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran’s nuclear and military sites. The future of Iran’s program and regional proliferation risks will depend on the success of Israel’s campaign, the international response, and Tehran’s perceived need for nuclear weapons.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams, Doreen Horschig, and Bailey Schiff — June 13, 2025

America's 'Golden Dome' Explained

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on the feasibility, cost, and security implications of future U.S. missile defense programs.

Event — June 4, 2025

Audio Briefs

Ukraine’s Drone Swarms Are Destroying Russian Nuclear Bombers. What Happens Now?

An audio version of “⁠Ukraine’s Drone Swarms Are Destroying Russian Nuclear Bombers. What Happens Now?⁠,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Masao Dahlgren and Lachlan MacKenzie. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Masao Dahlgren and Lachlan MacKenzie — June 4, 2025

Audio Briefs