Analysis / Next Gen CommunityRussia’s New Nuclear Weapons: Responding To The ProblemByAkshai VikramPublished Sep 27, 2021While terrifying in their own right, the Russian hypersonic systems discussed here only underscore the threat of nuclear conflict – a threat that has existed for decades. They exacerbate existing dangers, sometimes in intriguing ways, but do not fundamentally reshape the seemingly always perilous U.S.-Russian strategic relationship.
Analysis / Next Gen CommunityRussia’s New Nuclear Weapons: Understanding Avangard, Kinzhal, and TsirkonByAkshai VikramPublished Aug 2, 2021The primary driver of Russia’s hypersonic build-up seems to be missile defense. President Putin said the development of these weapons was directly caused by the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002.
Analysis / Next Gen CommunityLessons from a Real-Life Insider: The Case of Leonid SmirnoByNoelle CampPublished Jun 30, 2021In the Smirnov case, the irretrievable loss limit for the facility was set unusually high at 3% of the facility’s nuclear material. In total, Smirnov siphoned off 1.5 kg of HEU, representing only 1% of the facility’s material.
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityIran’s missile program: Two problems, not oneByJohn KrzyzaniakPublished Jun 16, 2021In short, there are really two key issues related to Iran’s ballistic missiles, not one. Although there are few easy answers to either of these, a proper framing is an essential starting point to open up a broader set of ideas and potential solutions.
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityStatistically Identifying the NPT’s Effect on Nuclear Proliferation: Is it a Fundamentally Unidentified Question?ByDanny BresslerPublished Mar 19, 2021This is part 2 of the two-part series discussing theories and evidence on whether the NPT has Limited the Spread of Nuclear Weapons.
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityHas the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Limited The Spread of Nuclear Weapons? Evaluating the ArgumentsByDanny BresslerPublished Mar 17, 2021Despite evidence that the NPT has been helpful in restraining proliferation, there is still work to be done to understand how and why the NPT continues to work and under what conditions it may no longer work.
Analysis / Next Gen Community, ReportOn the Horizon: A Collection of the Papers from the Next GenerationByReja YounisPublished Feb 23, 2021The papers included in this volume comprise research from participants in the 2020 Nuclear Scholars Initiative and the PONI Conference Series. These papers explore such topics as the impacts of emerging technologies and capabilities, deep-diving on nuclear strategy and national policies, proposing paths forward for addressing proliferation challenges, and enhancing arms control in contentious environments. Series On The Horizon
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityWhat does the history tell us about Iran’s nuclear intentions?BySina AzodiPublished Feb 16, 2021The debate on the direction of Iran’s nuclear program is a multifaceted puzzle which will continue to draw attention for the foreseeable future. Will Iran cross the threshold and weaponize its decades long nuclear program?
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityLeft of Launch: Artificial Intelligence at the Nuclear NexusByLindsey SheppardPublished Dec 17, 2020The areas of AI application into the nuclear enterprise are far left of an operational decision or decision to launch and include four priority sectors: (1) security and defense; (2) intelligence activities and indications and warning; (3) modeling and simulation, optimization, and data analytics; and (4) logistics and maintenance. Series Nuclear Nexus
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityNuclear Command and Civilian Control: Civil-Military Relations and the Use of Nuclear WeaponsByAlice Hunt Friend and Reja YounisPublished Nov 20, 2020In the nuclear realm, the challenge of civilian control is solved with presidential authority. Understanding and addressing the concessions that presidents might make to military expertise surfaces the precarious nature of civilian nuclear command and control. Series Nuclear Nexus