CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues
@poni.csis.org
@csis.org’s Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) hopes to sustain a community of next generation nuclear experts & generate new ideas & debate on nuclear issues. Repost ≠ Endorsement
PONI is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its Project Atom 2025 report. Please join us on December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET for a discussion with authors @kschake.bsky.social, Rebecca Shrimpton, Kyle Balzer, and @ajmount.bsky.social.
Register to attend:
Register to attend:
Report Launch: Project Atom 2025 | CSIS Events
Please join the Project on Nuclear Issues for a launch event for the Project Atom 2025 report on escalatory risk in the Indo-Pacific.
www.csis.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
PONI is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its Project Atom 2025 report. Please join us on December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET for a discussion with authors @kschake.bsky.social, Rebecca Shrimpton, Kyle Balzer, and @ajmount.bsky.social.
Register to attend:
Register to attend:
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Kyle Mackay is a Deputy Primary Physics Lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Kyle graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a PhD in Mechanical Science and Engineering.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Kyle Mackay is a Deputy Primary Physics Lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Kyle graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a PhD in Mechanical Science and Engineering.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
November 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Kyle Mackay is a Deputy Primary Physics Lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Kyle graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a PhD in Mechanical Science and Engineering.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Kyle Mackay is a Deputy Primary Physics Lead at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Kyle graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a PhD in Mechanical Science and Engineering.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
CLOSING TONIGHT: PONI's NSI applications close TONIGHT - don't forget to submit yours!
Apply here:
Apply here:
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear…
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM
CLOSING TONIGHT: PONI's NSI applications close TONIGHT - don't forget to submit yours!
Apply here:
Apply here:
Raymond Wang and Lachlan MacKenzie examine how China and Russia are responding to the proposed U.S. “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, assessing their concerns, skepticism, and potential countermeasures.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/gol...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/gol...
Golden Dome for America: Assessing Chinese and Russian Reactions
This article surveys Chinese and Russian reactions to Golden Dome and develops an initial assessment of its potential impact on arms racing and strategic stability.
www.csis.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Raymond Wang and Lachlan MacKenzie examine how China and Russia are responding to the proposed U.S. “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, assessing their concerns, skepticism, and potential countermeasures.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/gol...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/gol...
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Stephen Preisig is a Project Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Stephen graduated from the University of Denver with a M.A. in International Security and from William Jewell College with a B.A. in Political Science.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Stephen Preisig is a Project Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Stephen graduated from the University of Denver with a M.A. in International Security and from William Jewell College with a B.A. in Political Science.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
November 19, 2025 at 8:16 PM
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Stephen Preisig is a Project Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Stephen graduated from the University of Denver with a M.A. in International Security and from William Jewell College with a B.A. in Political Science.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Stephen Preisig is a Project Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Stephen graduated from the University of Denver with a M.A. in International Security and from William Jewell College with a B.A. in Political Science.
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
PONI has released Strategic Trends 2025, an overview of the major shifts shaping today’s nuclear landscape. The report reviews regional dynamics, nuclear doctrines, and emerging technologies to understand future strategic challenges.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/str...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/str...
Strategic Trends 2025
In a world where old nuclear guardrails are eroding and new rivalries are converging, Strategic Trends 2025 charts how the United States and its allies must navigate a disorderly, multi-adversary nucl...
www.csis.org
November 18, 2025 at 6:37 PM
PONI has released Strategic Trends 2025, an overview of the major shifts shaping today’s nuclear landscape. The report reviews regional dynamics, nuclear doctrines, and emerging technologies to understand future strategic challenges.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/str...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/str...
🚨PONI is now accepting applications for its 2026 Spring Internship!
Learn more and apply via the CSIS careers portal: careers.csis.org/opportunitie...
Learn more and apply via the CSIS careers portal: careers.csis.org/opportunitie...
Careers | Center for Strategic and International Studies
CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop polic...
careers.csis.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:34 PM
🚨PONI is now accepting applications for its 2026 Spring Internship!
Learn more and apply via the CSIS careers portal: careers.csis.org/opportunitie...
Learn more and apply via the CSIS careers portal: careers.csis.org/opportunitie...
In PONI's newest episode of The Negotiator Files, @amyjnelsonphd.bsky.social speaks with Monte Mallin, who shares insights from his decades of experience as a U.S. arms control negotiator.
Watch the interview here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/the-negotiat...
Watch the interview here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/the-negotiat...
November 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
In PONI's newest episode of The Negotiator Files, @amyjnelsonphd.bsky.social speaks with Monte Mallin, who shares insights from his decades of experience as a U.S. arms control negotiator.
Watch the interview here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/the-negotiat...
Watch the interview here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/the-negotiat...
📢 Deadline extended!
PONI’s Nuclear Scholars Initiative application is now due Friday, Nov. 21.
Don’t miss your chance to apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
PONI’s Nuclear Scholars Initiative application is now due Friday, Nov. 21.
Don’t miss your chance to apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear weapon...
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:15 PM
📢 Deadline extended!
PONI’s Nuclear Scholars Initiative application is now due Friday, Nov. 21.
Don’t miss your chance to apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
PONI’s Nuclear Scholars Initiative application is now due Friday, Nov. 21.
Don’t miss your chance to apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Joseph Rodgers and NPR's Steven Inskeep discussed a recent @csis.org report that analyzed satellite imagery of Iran and the status of it bombed nuclear facilities.
Listen to it here: www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
Listen to it here: www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
Iran rebuilding after U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities, report says
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Joseph Rodgers, the author of a report on Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Rodgers says satellite images indicate activity has resumed after the U.S. strikes on nucl...
www.npr.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Joseph Rodgers and NPR's Steven Inskeep discussed a recent @csis.org report that analyzed satellite imagery of Iran and the status of it bombed nuclear facilities.
Listen to it here: www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
Listen to it here: www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
CLOSING IN FOUR DAYS: PONI's NSI applications will close on Monday, make sure to submit yours over the weekend!
Apply here:
Apply here:
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear…
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM
CLOSING IN FOUR DAYS: PONI's NSI applications will close on Monday, make sure to submit yours over the weekend!
Apply here:
Apply here:
In Rebecca Davis Gibbons and Elizabeth Kos' latest report, they examine the president's foundational—though controversial—sole authority to launch nuclear weapons.
Read the full report here:
Read the full report here:
A Sobering Duty: U.S. Presidents Grapple with the Sole Authority to Launch Nuclear Weapons
In the United States, only the president possesses the legal authority to launch nuclear weapons. How did this come to be, and what are the implications of presidential sole authority?
www.csis.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
In Rebecca Davis Gibbons and Elizabeth Kos' latest report, they examine the president's foundational—though controversial—sole authority to launch nuclear weapons.
Read the full report here:
Read the full report here:
In a video from @csis.org, @doreenhorschig.bsky.social breaks down what kind of nuclear tests President Trump may have been referring to, what Russia and China are likely doing, and the potential impact of a change in U.S. policy on nuclear testing.
Watch it here:
Watch it here:
Should the United States Resume Nuclear Testing?
On October 30th, President Trump posted on social media that the United States would resume nuclear testing, citing ongoing testing from other countries including Russia and China. Doreen Horschig,…
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
In a video from @csis.org, @doreenhorschig.bsky.social breaks down what kind of nuclear tests President Trump may have been referring to, what Russia and China are likely doing, and the potential impact of a change in U.S. policy on nuclear testing.
Watch it here:
Watch it here:
CLOSING NEXT WEEK: PONI's NSI applications are due on Monday, November 17 - don't forget to submit yours!
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear weapon...
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:02 PM
CLOSING NEXT WEEK: PONI's NSI applications are due on Monday, November 17 - don't forget to submit yours!
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
HAPPENING NOW:
Join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation with @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Kari Bingen, and Tom Karako to discuss Netflix's new film, A House of Dynamite and what we may learn from it.
Watch it live here:
Join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation with @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Kari Bingen, and Tom Karako to discuss Netflix's new film, A House of Dynamite and what we may learn from it.
Watch it live here:
A House of Dynamite: Fact, Fiction, and U.S. Homeland Defense | CSIS Events
Join the HTK Series for a discussion of the new film, A House of Dynamite.
www.csis.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:55 PM
HAPPENING NOW:
Join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation with @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Kari Bingen, and Tom Karako to discuss Netflix's new film, A House of Dynamite and what we may learn from it.
Watch it live here:
Join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation with @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Kari Bingen, and Tom Karako to discuss Netflix's new film, A House of Dynamite and what we may learn from it.
Watch it live here:
As strategic competition intensifies, the longstanding moratorium on nuclear-explosive testing is under pressure. @doreenhorschig.bsky.social's analysis in @ifri.bsky.social offers a review of this fragile consensus — and what might unravel if it weakens.
Read it here: www.ifri.org/en/papers/fr...
Read it here: www.ifri.org/en/papers/fr...
A Fragile Consensus? The Pressure on the Norm Against Nuclear Testing
Apart from North Korea, no state has conducted explosive nuclear tests in the 21st century, reflecting the emergence of a strong international norm against such testing.
www.ifri.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:39 PM
As strategic competition intensifies, the longstanding moratorium on nuclear-explosive testing is under pressure. @doreenhorschig.bsky.social's analysis in @ifri.bsky.social offers a review of this fragile consensus — and what might unravel if it weakens.
Read it here: www.ifri.org/en/papers/fr...
Read it here: www.ifri.org/en/papers/fr...
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Siobhan Niklasson is a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Learn more about the 2025 Labs Nuclear Scholars:
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Siobhan Niklasson is a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Learn more about the 2025 Labs Nuclear Scholars:
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
October 31, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🔦 Labs Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦
Siobhan Niklasson is a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Learn more about the 2025 Labs Nuclear Scholars:
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
Siobhan Niklasson is a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Learn more about the 2025 Labs Nuclear Scholars:
nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/lab...
PONI Director @heatherwilly.bsky.social answers critical questions on revolving around President Trump's call to restart nuclear testing, how fast it can be done, and what the benefits would be.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Can the United States Immediately Return to Nuclear Testing?
President Trump’s post raises technical questions about how and if the United States could “immediately” return to nuclear testing, and political considerations about the signaling behind nuclear test...
www.csis.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:46 PM
PONI Director @heatherwilly.bsky.social answers critical questions on revolving around President Trump's call to restart nuclear testing, how fast it can be done, and what the benefits would be.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Applications for PONI's Nuclear Scholars Initiative close in three weeks! PONI accepts applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, and has limited spots open for non-U.S. citizens as well. Don't miss out!
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear weapon...
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Applications for PONI's Nuclear Scholars Initiative close in three weeks! PONI accepts applications from a diverse range of backgrounds, and has limited spots open for non-U.S. citizens as well. Don't miss out!
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
Apply here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...
In @doreenhorschig.bsky.social's latest in @lawfaremedia.org, she examines how the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran will impact the future of nuclear diplomacy and the nuclear nonproliferation regime.
Read it here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
Read it here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
What the Iran Strikes Mean for Nuclear Diplomacy
The nonproliferation regime remains strong—maybe even stronger than before.
www.lawfaremedia.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:11 PM
In @doreenhorschig.bsky.social's latest in @lawfaremedia.org, she examines how the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran will impact the future of nuclear diplomacy and the nuclear nonproliferation regime.
Read it here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
Read it here: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
PONI is now accepting applications for its Nuclear Scholars Initiative! Young professionals with less than 7 years of experience are welcome to apply for the Class of 2026.
Apply by November 17:
Apply by November 17:
Nuclear Scholars Initiative - Nuclear Network
The Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide top graduate students and young professionals from around the country with a unique venue to interact and dialogue with senior experts on nuclear…
nuclearnetwork.csis.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:18 PM
PONI is now accepting applications for its Nuclear Scholars Initiative! Young professionals with less than 7 years of experience are welcome to apply for the Class of 2026.
Apply by November 17:
Apply by November 17:
In @doreenhorschig.bsky.social latest in @bulletinatomic.bsky.social, she examines five lessons learned from former arms control negotiators and how they can help processes for future negotiations.
Read it here: thebulletin.org/premium/2025...
Read it here: thebulletin.org/premium/2025...
Lessons from former arms control negotiators
With the collapse of key treaties amid rising geopolitical tensions, arms control efforts struggle to keep pace with today’s security environment. As new technologies and multipolar dynamics redefine ...
thebulletin.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
In @doreenhorschig.bsky.social latest in @bulletinatomic.bsky.social, she examines five lessons learned from former arms control negotiators and how they can help processes for future negotiations.
Read it here: thebulletin.org/premium/2025...
Read it here: thebulletin.org/premium/2025...
In PONI’s latest episode of The Negotiator Files, interviewer @amyjnelsonphd.bsky.social interviewed Christopher Ford. He discussed his role in the NPT conferences and the Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND) initiative.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s2C...
Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s2C...
The Negotiator Files: A Conversation with Christopher Ford
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
www.youtube.com
October 8, 2025 at 6:31 PM
In PONI’s latest episode of The Negotiator Files, interviewer @amyjnelsonphd.bsky.social interviewed Christopher Ford. He discussed his role in the NPT conferences and the Creating an Environment for Nuclear Disarmament (CEND) initiative.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s2C...
Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s2C...
In a new PONI analysis, @doreenhorschig.bsky.social, @diyaashtakala.bsky.social, and Bailey Schiff analyze the growing Pakistan–Saudi defense partnership and its implications for regional security and alliance dynamics.
Read it here: www.csis.org/programs/pro...
Read it here: www.csis.org/programs/pro...
Analysis | Project on Nuclear Issues | CSIS
www.csis.org
October 6, 2025 at 8:53 PM
In a new PONI analysis, @doreenhorschig.bsky.social, @diyaashtakala.bsky.social, and Bailey Schiff analyze the growing Pakistan–Saudi defense partnership and its implications for regional security and alliance dynamics.
Read it here: www.csis.org/programs/pro...
Read it here: www.csis.org/programs/pro...
Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues
Recent college & grad school alumni:
Work for 6 to 9 months with one of over 2 dozen NGOs in DC on international peace & security issues, including nuclear arms control, peacebuilding, & diplomacy. Apply by Oct. 20 to @scovillepf.bsky.social for the spring '26 semester. scoville.org
Work for 6 to 9 months with one of over 2 dozen NGOs in DC on international peace & security issues, including nuclear arms control, peacebuilding, & diplomacy. Apply by Oct. 20 to @scovillepf.bsky.social for the spring '26 semester. scoville.org
September 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Recent college & grad school alumni:
Work for 6 to 9 months with one of over 2 dozen NGOs in DC on international peace & security issues, including nuclear arms control, peacebuilding, & diplomacy. Apply by Oct. 20 to @scovillepf.bsky.social for the spring '26 semester. scoville.org
Work for 6 to 9 months with one of over 2 dozen NGOs in DC on international peace & security issues, including nuclear arms control, peacebuilding, & diplomacy. Apply by Oct. 20 to @scovillepf.bsky.social for the spring '26 semester. scoville.org