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.

Learn More
Analysis / 

A New Nuclear Age?

By
Published
Aug 20, 2024

As the United States enters a “new nuclear age,” the Pentagon’s approach is based on three assumptions: coordinated adversarial behavior, limited nuclear employment, and the failure of arms control. Despite some evidence, none should be considered forgone conclusions.

Latest Analysis

Projects

All Projects

  • 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.

  • On the Radar

    On the Radar provides analysis on emerging technologies that are expected to reshape situational awareness across the spectrum of conflict, and examines the implications of these technologies for nuclear strategic stability. It is a product of a two-year research collaboration between the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Nuclear Policy Working Group (NPWG) at the University California Berkeley, funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

  • Nuclear Narrative

    This study aims to create a dialogue with the nation’s nuclear personnel about the rationales for the U.S. nuclear arsenal that already exist—some of which have been stated at the highest levels of leadership—to ask what the nuclear forces actually hear, what works and what does not, and what motivates them on a daily basis.

Programs

All Programs

  • Conference Series

    Each year PONI hosts four conferences that bring together people from across the nuclear enterprise to discuss a range of nuclear issues. The PONI yearly conference series brings together junior and senior level professionals from the laboratories, the military, and industry, academia and policy sectors to hear selected presentations on a range of topics related to nuclear weapons policy and strategy.

  • Nuclear Scholars Initiative

    The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues. Those accepted into the program are hosted once per month over the course of six months at CSIS in Washington, DC where they participate in two-day workshops.

  • Mid-Career Cadre

    The PONI Mid-Career Cadre is a select group of nuclear professionals that have been in the field for 7 or more years and demonstrate particular promise for developing expertise and moving into leadership positions. Mid-career members come from technical, policy, and military backgrounds. Upon selection, Cadre members participate for three-year terms.

PONI Updates

All PONI Updates

In September 2024, Joseph Rodgers became Deputy Director and Fellow, and PONI closed applications to apply to the 2025 Nuclear Scholars Initiative. Caroline Ward joined PONI as a Program Manager in August 2024.

Next Gen Highlights

  • Paul Opheim

    Paul Opheim works as an Operations Research Analyst on the Nuclear Analysis Branch of the Office of Studies & Analyses in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. He has a Master’s in Economics from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Minnesota.

  • David Phillips

    David Phillips is a Major in the U.S. Air Force and serves as a Future Operations Planner within the Global Operations Directorate at the United States Strategic Command. He holds an MBA and a B.S. in biology from the University of Denver and a graduate certificate from the Naval Postgraduate School.

  • David Birkey

    David Birkey is a Technical Manager and Engineer for Northrop Grumman working on ICBM system development. He is the Lead Node Integrator for Sentinel ICBM communications throughout the Missile Wing.

About PONI

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) cultivates young professionals by building relationships, deepening understanding, and sharing perspectives across the full range of nuclear issues and communities.
The content of this web site does not constitute an endorsement by or opinion of the Project on Nuclear Issues or any sponsor of PONI.

Director
Heather Williams
Deputy Director and Fellow
Joseph Rodgers