DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT As nuclear weapons take on renewed emphasis in global politics today, the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) set out to examine a foundational—though controversial—policy of the U.S. nuclear command and control system: the president’s sole authority to launch nuclear weapons. Based on detailed research of each president’s experience with the nuclear command and control system, this report offers several themes. By and large, presidents were horrified when presented with existing plans for U.S. nuclear use, especially plans for “total nuclear war.” Many presidents relied on nuclear threats for both compellence and deterrence, but they sought to avoid nuclear use. They consulted with their advisers but did not always take this advice. This report offers empirical evidence for those seeking to better understand the policy of sole authority and its implications. This report is made possible by general support to CSIS. No direct sponsorship contributed to this report.