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.

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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: 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. 5: A Collection of Papers from the Next Generation

The authors featured in this publication were members of The Project on Nuclear Issues' (PONI) 2022 Nuclear Scholars Class. The PONI Nuclear Scholars Initiative is a select group of rising next-gen voices, comprised of graduate students and young professionals.

Report by Reja Younis and Jessica Link — February 28, 2023

Irreversibility in Nuclear Disarmament

While "irreversibility" has been a component of nuclear disarmament efforts for decades, it remains understudied. This CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues report brings together several authors to explore potential approaches and challenges to irreversible nuclear disarmament.

Report by Heather Williams, Jessica Link, and Joseph Rodgers — February 28, 2023

Russia Suspends New START and Increases Nuclear Risks

Putin’s suspension of New START furthers the demise of arms control, eliminating one of the few remaining forums for dialogue between Moscow and Washington at a time of rising nuclear risk. Furthermore, it signals Russia’s increasing reliance on nuclear weapons.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams — February 23, 2023

Future Steps for U.S.-ROK Extended Deterrence Consultations

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's trip to South Korea last week marked some forward progress, but there is more that can and should be done to shore up U.S. extended deterrence commitments and prepare for future proliferation scenarios. 

Commentary by Kelsey Hartigan — February 10, 2023

PONI 2022 Fall Conference

The CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues hosted 2022 Fall Conference, featuring a keynote address as well as presentations from emerging nuclear experts covering topics such as nuclear policy and strategies, arms control and proliferation challenges, technology and capabilities, and deterrence.

Event — October 25, 2022

Deterring Nuclear Weapons Use in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin has increasingly relied on nuclear threats in an attempt to prevent foreign intervention and signal to the United States and NATO that he is committed to winning the war in Ukraine.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams — October 14, 2022

How Does the Worsening Security Environment Impact Nuclear Disarmament?

On August 26, 2022, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Review Conference ended without a consensus due to the security environment. However, this narrative ignores growing friction between nuclear weapon and nonnuclear weapon states.

Critical Questions by Suzanne Claeys and Alice Spilman — September 13, 2022

The Nuclear Posture in Review

Please join the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) for a conversation about the future of deterrence, arms control, and the creation of U.S. nuclear strategy.

Event — July 29, 2022