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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 1d

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...

The Negotiator Files: A Conversation with Christopher Ford

YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies

www.youtube.com

CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 3d

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...

Analysis | Project on Nuclear Issues | CSIS

www.csis.org

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Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

Scoville Fellowship @scovillepf.bsky.social · 24d

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

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 8d

PONI's inaugural Future Arms Control Experts cohort recently concluded its 2025 programming. Early and mid-career professionals participated in two days of workshops at CSIS where they deepened their knowledge on arms control.

Congratulations our first FACE cohort!

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 13d

@thewashingtonpost.bsky.social cites PONI's Joseph Rodgers on new satellite imagery of Iran’s “Pickaxe Mountain” site. He notes signs of expanded tunneling, reinforced structures, and heavy machinery.

Read it here: www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...

After U.S. strikes, Iran increases work at mysterious underground site

Satellite imagery indicates Iran is increasing construction at a deeply buried site in “Pickaxe Mountain,” just south of the Natanz nuclear facility hit by Israeli and U.S. strikes in June.

www.washingtonpost.com

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 16d

Do you want daily updates on nuclear modernization, nuclear signaling, and arms control talks? Subscribe to PONI's Nuclear Policy Newsletter for the latest nuclear developments spanning the US, Europe, Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East.

Subscribe here: www.csis.org/subscribe

Subscribe | CSIS

www.csis.org

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 17d

In PONI's latest essay, @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Joseph Rodgers, and Elizabeth Kos show how renewed great power competition is raising nuclear risks—from arsenal growth to alliance strain—demanding new approaches to deterrence.

Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/cha...

Returning to an Era of Competition and Nuclear Risk

The future of modern warfare will feature increased reliance on nuclear weapons by adversaries and allies. Modern war strategists must develop a nuanced approach to prevent miscalculation and maintain...

www.csis.org

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 20d

🔦 Nuclear Scholars Spotlight! 🔦

Olivia Salembier works in the International Staff for the Nuclear Policy Directorate at NATO. She holds a BA in Political Science from Concordia University and a MA in Security Policy Studies from the Elliott School at GW.

nuclearnetwork.csis.org/programs/nuc...

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 22d

Past HTK episodes explored:
1. Nukes in Space
2. US-UK Strategic Cooperation
3. US Bombs Iran
4. America's Golden Dome
5. The Cost of Deterrence
6. Threat Outlook and Implications for US Strategic Forces
7. Europe's Nuclear Future
9. What is the Iron Dome for America?

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 22d

CSIS launched "HTK," a new public discussion series featuring commentary by @heatherwilly.bsky.social, Tom Karako, and Kari Bingen. Through the series, they offer real-time context and commentary on national security developments and strategic force issues.
www.csis.org/programs/htk...

HTK Series | Defense and Security | CSIS

A public discussion series with Heather Williams, Tom Karako, and Kari Bingen offering real-time context and commentary on national security developments and strategic forces issues

www.csis.org

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 23d

In a recent commentary, @heatherwilly.bsky.social and Niko Adamopolous establish a typology for nuclear off-ramps—the communication, third-party, and narrative manipulation tools for "both sides in a conflict to back away from escalation while still saving face."
www.csis.org/analysis/we-...

We Need More Off-Ramps for Nuclear Crises

States should develop off-ramps—such as crisis communications, third-party mediation, and narrative manipulation—now and in advance of crises in order to reduce the risk of nuclear use.

www.csis.org

CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 24d

PONI’s primary source archive is expanding! Explore newly added original documents on arms control design, negotiation, and implementation now including the NPT, CFE, New START, Moscow Treaty, and CTBT.

Take a look here: ackti-archive.csis.org

Arms Control Knowledge Transfer Initiative Primary Source Archive | CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

An archive of documents, interviews, and analysis dedicated to preserving arms control knowledge for future generations of experts.

ackti-archive.csis.org

CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · 29d

We’re thrilled to welcome Elena Tiedens as the Fall 2025 @scovillepf.bsky.social with the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) at CSIS! Elena graduated with both an MA and BA in History from the University of Chicago, concentrating in Environmental History with a minor in Russian.

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · Sep 9

As treaties collapse, what can history teach us about arms control’s future? In @bulletinatomic.bsky.social, @doreenhorschig.bsky.social draws lessons from INF, START & more to show how creativity, verification & leadership can chart a new path.

Read it here: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

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. But practitioners can draw lessons from past arms ...

www.tandfonline.com

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · Aug 15

#NEW NGNN blog post from Jupiter Huang

"The combination of scale and precision employed by Israel and Ukraine against unhardened, expensive strategic forces signals that the bar for survivability is becoming harder to meet."

Read his full analysis here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/is-the-hunt-...

Is the Hunt Back On? Attacks on Strategic Forces Illustrate China’s Nuclear Survivability Concerns - Nuclear Network

Operation Rising Lion combined intelligence, asymmetric operations, and conventional forces to significantly degrade Iran’s ability to launch ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israeli actions. Whe...

nuclearnetwork.csis.org

Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 9

Recent satellite imagery provides a more realistic picture of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program, notes @poni.csis.org. It also shows how Iran may be attempting to rebuild the program and possible developments of a covert program.

Learn more here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

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Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 11

"Nuclear signaling on social media is largely cheap talk for domestic audiences, but also an important barometer of geopolitics," writes @poni.csis.org.

Read more here: cs.is/41o2HAY

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Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 11

The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program did not completely destroy it. Whether Iran rebuilds its nuclear program depends on 3 factors:
1. Tehran's decision-making
2. Diplomacy with U.S.
3. Israel

Learn more from @poni.csis.org here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · Aug 11

In a #NEW blog post on PONI's Next Generation Nuclear Network, Lauren Cho discusses arms racing in space and its implications for military stability, diplomatic relations, and the legal frameworks governing space.

Read her full analysis here: nuclearnetwork.csis.org/averting-day...

Averting 'Day Zero': Preventing a Space Arms Race - Nuclear Network

In response to emerging threats like Russia's suspected development of nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, international attention has turned to the broader implications such systems may have for m...

nuclearnetwork.csis.org

Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 8

Recent satellite imagery provides a more realistic picture of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program, notes @poni.csis.org. It also shows how Iran may be attempting to rebuild the program and possible developments of a covert program.

Learn more here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · Aug 7

#NEW commentary from @heatherwilly.bsky.social

“How seriously should we take these online barbs, and what do Trump’s announcement about submarine deployments and Russia’s breakout from the INF Treaty mean for risks of escalation?”

Read her full analysis:
www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

What Trump’s Submarine Threat and Russia’s INF Exit Really Mean

Social media is again the preferred platform for nuclear signaling following an online clash between Trump and Medvedev, which included Trump's announcement of repositioning nuclear submarines and Med...

www.csis.org

Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 7

Recent satellite imagery provides a more realistic picture of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear program, notes @poni.csis.org. It also shows how Iran may be attempting to rebuild the program and possible developments of a covert program.

Learn more here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

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Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 7

"Nuclear signaling on social media is largely cheap talk for domestic audiences, but also an important barometer of geopolitics," notes @poni.csis.org expert Heather Williams.

Learn more about what Trump's submarine threat and Russia’s INF exit really mean: www.csis.org/analysis/wha...

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Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues

CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · Aug 6

"Whether or not Iran rebuilds its nuclear program is ultimately a political decision and will depend on three sets of factors: decisionmaking in Tehran, diplomacy with the United States, and Israel," writes @poni.csis.org.

Read more: www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Program—Can It Rebuild?

U.S. and Israeli strikes imposed significant damage on Iran’s nuclear sites but failed to eliminate its program. The fate of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions now rests on a political decision, creating a wi...

www.csis.org

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CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues @poni.csis.org · Aug 6

#NEW analysis from PONI experts:

"U.S. and Israeli strikes imposed significant damage on Iran’s nuclear sites but failed to eliminate its program. The fate of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions now rests on a political decision, creating a window for diplomacy."

Read here: www.csis.org/analysis/dam...

Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Program—Can It Rebuild?

U.S. and Israeli strikes imposed significant damage on Iran’s nuclear sites but failed to eliminate its program. The fate of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions now rests on a political decision, creating a wi...

www.csis.org