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

Photo: CSIS

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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 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

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

PONI Live Debate: AI Integration in NC3

The CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues hosted 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.

Transcript — January 24, 2025

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