Analysis / ReportIntegrated Arms Control in an Era of Strategic CompetitionByRebecca Hersman, Suzanne Claeys and Dr. Heather WilliamsPublished Jan 25, 2022Can contemporary arms control keep pace with the rapid rate of change in both geopolitics and technology? This study examines the implication and prospects for the future of arms control in a highly competitive security environment in which challenges from advanced technologies and diminished state control over processes of verification become increasingly prominent features, even as the scope and modalities of arms control grow more complex and multifaceted.
Analysis / CommentaryReading the Nuclear Tea Leaves: Policy and Posture in the Biden AdministrationByRebecca Hersman and Joseph RodgersPublished Jun 14, 2021The nuclear policy community is once again in the grips of pervasive anxiety that U.S. nuclear policy—encompassing force modernization decisions, declaratory policy, and perceptions of adversary nuclear threat and risk—is either about to dramatically change or fail to change as dramatically as it should. In a polarized community characterized by mistrust and a highly politicized…
Analysis / CommentaryWhen is More Actually Less? Situational Awareness and Nuclear RisksByRebecca Hersman and Bernadette StadlerPublished Aug 2, 2019As increasingly capable and provocative situational awareness tools come into play, the very act of improving situational awareness may intensify escalation cycles in unanticipated ways, particularly among nuclear-armed states.
Analysis / CommentaryIran’s Latest Nuclear Provocation: What it Means, What Comes Next.ByEric BrewerPublished Jul 1, 2019Iran announced Monday—and international inspectors confirmed—that it had exceeded the amount of enriched uranium it can have on hand under the terms of the nuclear deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA). The deal allows Iran to have up to 300kg of up to 3.67 percent enriched uranium hexafluoride.
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityCounterproliferation Strategy & the Proliferation Security InitiativeByCameron TrainerPublished May 7, 2019If the United States is to consider a more aggressive counterproliferation strategy, it must occur beyond the context of the Proliferation Security Initiative.
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityAddicted to Dominance: Masculinity, Competition, and the Making of Trump’s Nuclear PolicyByRafael LossPublished Apr 16, 2019President Trump leverages hegemonic masculinities to exercise power in pursuit of his political agenda. How does this affect U.S. nuclear policy and what does it mean for the future of arms control?
Analysis / ReportOn the Horizon: A Collection of the Papers from the Next GenerationBySarah Minot Asrar and Rebecca HersmanPublished Feb 19, 2019The papers included in this volume comprise research from participants in the 2018 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 CommunityThe Long Road to Nuclear Toxic Waste DisposalByHeather HollowPublished Oct 23, 2018With the continued use of nuclear power comes the question: How can nuclear toxic waste be disposed of effectively?
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityThe wrong response to Russia’s INF Treaty violationByAbigail Stowe-ThurstonPublished Sep 13, 2018In the latest response to Russian INF Treaty violations, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act renews calls for the development of a new missile system. This provision will not only violate the INF Treaty but also put the United States on a poor footing with its European allies. Read previous PONI intern and 2018 Capstone…
Analysis / Commentary, Next Gen CommunityThe 2018 Nuclear Posture Review: Reception by U.S. Allies in the Asia-PacificByMargaret WilliamsPublished May 23, 2018Is the 2018 NPR achieving one of its intended purposes—assuring allies in East Asia?