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: CSIS

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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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Information Pollution and What It Means for Arms Control

Over the past decade, Russia has stepped up its disinformation campaigns to erode trust in arms control. Russian disinformation campaigns have served as a low-cost tactic for Moscow to spread confusion and distrust in the United States and other Western democracies. 

Report by Joseph Rodgers — January 25, 2024

PONI Live Debate: U.S. Nuclear Targeting

The CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues hosted a live debate on U.S. Nuclear targeting between Mr. Franklin Miller and Dr. James Acton on January 25th.

Transcript — January 25, 2024

2023 Fall Conference

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2023 Fall Conference on December 5 at CSIS. The conference will explore the impact of emerging technologies on nuclear security. A call for presentation proposals and registration for conference attendees are forthcoming.

Event — December 5, 2023

Deter and Divide: Russia's Nuclear Rhetoric & Escalation Risks in Ukraine

Russia’s nuclear threats have underpinned each stage of the war in Ukraine as Putin attempts to deter and divide NATO support. However, if Russia faces battlefield setbacks, its nuclear threats could intensify, testing NATO's resolve.

Digital Report by Heather Williams, Kelsey Hartigan, Lachlan MacKenzie, and Reja Younis — December 4, 2023

The Israel-Hamas Conflict: Implications for Nuclear Security in the Region

The Israel-Hamas conflict strains Israel-Iran ties, impacting regional nuclear dynamics. It may strengthen Israel’s resolve to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, prompt Iran's nuclear acceleration, and hinder U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

Critical Questions by Doreen Horschig — November 21, 2023

Project Atom Report Launch

Please join the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) to discuss the findings of PONI's forthcoming Project Atom report. The Project Atom report consists of five competing strategies for deterring two peer adversaries written by six senior experts with diverse perspectives.

Event — November 7, 2023

How to Get Away with a Nuclear Test

Talk of nuclear testing and threats of escalation are part of an ongoing Russian effort to manipulate nuclear risks and deter Western intervention in Ukraine. Whether or not Russia resumes testing will depend on Putin’s expected response from the international community.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams — October 5, 2023

Conventional-Nuclear Integration to Strengthen Deterrence

The evolving geopolitical landscape demands strategies for disincentivizing adversarial nuclear use to advance regional goals. In response, the United States and its allies are considering strategies to integrate conventional and nuclear forces and bolster deterrence.

Commentary by Doreen Horschig and Nicholas Adamopoulos — October 4, 2023