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.

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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On the Horizon Vol. 7

The 2024 PONI Nuclear Scholars explore shifts in states’ nuclear arsenals and strategies, the effects of the Ukraine war on nuclear dynamics, and the transformative power of emerging tech on nuclear decisionmaking, offering fresh insights and innovative solutions.

Report by Doreen Horschig — December 19, 2024

Updating Nuclear Command, Control, and Communication

Nuclear command and control will be an essential piece of nuclear modernization plans. To confront two-peer competition, the United States should stay apace with modernization plans and will require constant innovation.

Commentary by Heather Williams — December 10, 2024

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

Report Launch: Project Atom 2024

The CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues launched its comprehensive report, Project Atom 2024, which uses a competitive strategies approach to explore challenges associated with intrawar deterrence and consists of five alternative strategies for responding to strategic deterrence failure.

Transcript — November 20, 2024