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
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
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!
Congratulations our first FACE cohort!
October 1, 2025 at 7:39 PM
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!
Congratulations our first FACE cohort!
@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...
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
September 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
@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...
Read it here: www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
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 here: www.csis.org/subscribe
Subscribe | CSIS
www.csis.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:11 PM
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 here: www.csis.org/subscribe
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...
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
September 22, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/cha...
🔦 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...
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...
September 19, 2025 at 6:15 PM
🔦 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...
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...
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...
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
September 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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...
www.csis.org/programs/htk...
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-...
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
September 16, 2025 at 4:04 PM
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-...
www.csis.org/analysis/we-...
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
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
September 15, 2025 at 8:36 PM
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
Take a look here: ackti-archive.csis.org
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.
September 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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.
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....
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
September 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
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....
Read it here: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#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-...
"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
August 15, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#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-...
"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-...
Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues
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...
Learn more here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...
August 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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...
Learn more here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...
Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues
"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
Read more here: cs.is/41o2HAY
August 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"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
Read more here: cs.is/41o2HAY
Reposted by CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues
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...
1. Tehran's decision-making
2. Diplomacy with U.S.
3. Israel
Learn more from @poni.csis.org here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...
August 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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...
1. Tehran's decision-making
2. Diplomacy with U.S.
3. Israel
Learn more from @poni.csis.org here:
www.csis.org/analysis/dam...