The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI), with the support of Northrop Grumman Corporation, hosted a half-day conference to discuss U.S. nuclear policy and strategy. The conference followed shortly after the release of the Trump administration’s Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) and featured panel discussions on capabilities and regional challenges featuring a range of perspectives, as well as keynote addresses from Under Secretary of Defense John C. Rood and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mac Thornberry.

Overview of Keynote Speakers’ Remarks

In his opening remarks, Under Secretary Rood situated the 2018 NPR within the context of growing uncertainty in the international security environment characterized by adversary modernization programs and the increasing salience of nuclear weapons. He argued that the NPR reflected broad consistency with long-standing elements of nuclear policy while enhancing deterrence and assurance in a more challenging threat environment. Finally, he touched on the importance of developing a tailored set of capabilities to correct the potential for adversary miscalculations. Read the full transcript of his remarks.

In his address, US Rep. Mac Thornberry outlined three key points.

First, he referred to the U.S. nuclear deterrent as the cornerstone of national security. Thornberry stated that for seventy years the most existential threat to the United States has been a nuclear attack on the homeland. He emphasized the need for deterrence to prevent such an attack from occurring. However, he said deterrence is often neglected and its success is defined by never having to use the deterrent.

Second, he emphasized the need for continuous efforts. He emphasized modernization of weapons, delivery systems, and nuclear command and control to address the aging of the triad. He also said that it was important to consider changes in the international security environment.

Third, he praised the Nuclear Posture Review for leading the United States in the right direction.

Read the full transcript of his remarks.

View the Event Webcast

Event Agenda and Twitter Highlights

Opening Keynote and Discussion


John C. Rood
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Department of Defense
Moderator:
Kathleen H. Hicks
Director, Senior Vice President; Henry A. Kissinger Chair; Director, International Security Program, CSIS

 

Clifton Jones for CSIS

 

 

What’s New in the NPR: Capabilities & Policies

Moderator: 
Rebecca Hersman
Director, Project on Nuclear Issues, and Senior Adviser, International Security Program, CSIS
Franklin C. Miller
Principal, Scowcroft Group
M. Elaine Bunn
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, U.S. Department of Defense
Adam Mount
Senior Fellow & Director, Defense Posture Project, Federation of American Scientists
Clifton Jones for CSIS

 

Panel Discussion on Regional Threats

Moderator: 
Rebecca Hersman
Director, Project on Nuclear Issues, and Senior Adviser, International Security Program, CSIS

Frank Rose
Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council
Kori Schake
Deputy Director-General, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Sue Mi Terry
Senior Fellow, Korea Chair, CSIS
Ankit Panda
Senior Editor, The Diplomat

Clifton Jones for CSIS

 

 

Representative William “Mac” Thornberry
Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services

Introduction and Moderator:
Dr. John J. Hamre
President and CEO, CSIS

Clifton Jones for CSIS