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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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.

Analysis / 

How Are Cyberattacks Fueling North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions?

By
Published
Aug 2, 2024

After a two-year investigation, Google’s cybersecurity firm Mandiant accused North Korean hacker group Advanced Persistent Threat 45 (APT45, or Andariel) of engaging in a global cyber espionage campaign since 2009. The group attacked a variety of sectors (e.g., banks, defense firms, and hospitals) and targeted nation-states such as India, South Korea, and the United States on the…

Upcoming Event

Sep272024
Event / 

2024 Fall Conference

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Projects

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  • 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

  • Future Arms Control Experts

    The Future Arms Control Experts cohort is designed to provide an opportunity for early- and mid-career professionals to develop the skills needed for future arms control negotiations and to learn and absorb/acquire critical knowledge from former arms control negotiators, inspectors, and other experts.

  • P5 Young Professionals Network

    PONI is currently soliciting non-governmental organizations to nominate one person for the P5 Young Professionals Network. We are seeking applicants through this process to ensure a strong foundation in NPT and P5 knowledge.

  • 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.

PONI Updates

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Next Gen Highlights

  • Chris Li

    Chris Li is Director of Research for the Asia-Pacific Initiative at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where he focuses on U.S.-China relations, Asia-Pacific security, and technology competition.

  • Shane Ward

    Shane Ward is a McHenry Fellow and M.A. candidate at Georgetown's Walsh School of Foreign Service. He sits on the leadership board of International Student/Young Pugwash (ISYP) and is also a member of Emerging Voices Network. Originally from the UK, Shane is a first-generation student and a Bates College graduate.

  • Tricia White

    Tricia White is an analyst with Exiger Government Solutions where she supports federal clients to illuminate, understand, and remediate end-to-end supply chain risks.

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