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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The Truth of the Matter

Arms Control Interregnum

CSIS’s Heather Williams joins the podcast to discuss Russia’s nuclear provocations and to answer the question: Is arms control as we know it dead?

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Heather Williams — June 3, 2024

CSIS the truth of the matter

Why Russia Keeps Rattling the Nuclear Saber

On May 6, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that its navy, air force, and ground missile forces would conduct tactical nuclear drills in the Southern Military District. These risky behaviors have drawn little-to-no response from the wider international community.

Commentary by Heather Williams — May 20, 2024

PONI 2024 Capstone Conference

PONI will host its 2024 Capstone Conference on May 1-2 at Offutt Air Force Base, Headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command.

Event — May 1, 2024

CSIS European Trilateral Track 2 Nuclear Dialogues

In 2023, the European Trilateral Track 2 Nuclear Dialogues convened senior nuclear policy experts from the United Kingdom, France, and the United States to discuss nuclear deterrence, arms control, and nonproliferation issues and identify areas of consensus among the P3.

Report by Heather Williams — April 25, 2024

The Truth of the Matter

Russia’s New Space Weapon

CSIS’ Kari Bingen and Heather Williams jon the podcast to discuss Russia’s new space-based anti-satellite weapon, its violation of the Outer Space Treaty and what steps the U.S. can take to mitigate the risks.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, Kari A. Bingen, and Heather Williams — April 2, 2024

CSIS the truth of the matter

On the Horizon Vol. 6

The 2023 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 and Jessica Link — March 27, 2024

PONI 2024 Virtual Winter Conference

PONI will host its 2024 Virtual Winter Conference on February 26. The theme is "Nuclear Lessons Learned From the Ukraine Conflict."

Event — February 26, 2024

Russian Nuclear Calibration in the War in Ukraine

How have Russia’s nuclear narratives evolved over the course of the war in Ukraine? To address this question and evaluate future nuclear risks, the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues conducted a study on Russian nuclear signaling during the first 18 months of the war.

Brief by Heather Williams, Kelsey Hartigan, Lachlan MacKenzie, and Reja Younis — February 23, 2024

The Uncertain Future of U.S.-Russia Arms Control

Time is running out for the United States and Russia to revive cooperation on arms control before the expiration of New START in 2026. Despite efforts from the Biden administration to kickstart progress, Russia remains an unwilling partner for the foreseeable future.

Critical Questions by Nicholas Adamopoulos — February 14, 2024