CNS at the Monterey Institute of International Studies is the largest nongovernmental organization in the United States devoted exclusively to research & training to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Updated: Dec 8, 2010

Supporting CNS

December 7, 2010

Dear Friends:

For 21 years, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies has focused on one overarching mission—combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction by training the next generation of experts. During that period CNS has launched the careers of hundreds of young men and women who work tirelessly worldwide to halt proliferation and create the conditions for a safer world.

Our work is far from finished, however. New and continuing threats require nimbleness as well as perseverance on our part. As we begin our third decade, we are delighted to announce a number of exciting developments that promise to enhance significantly the effectiveness and visibility of CNS as it addresses the most pressing peace and security issues of our time.

New Office in Vienna

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected CNS as its sole partner in the creation and management of a new Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Vienna. Slated to open in February 2011, the Vienna Center will serve as an international hub of research and training in Vienna, and a venue at which governments, international organizations, and civil society engage in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. Our Vienna presence will provide CNS with a unique opportunity to interact with and impact upon two of the most important international organizations in the nonproliferation field—the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization.

New Experts on China and Israel

CNS is delighted to have recruited two internationally renowned scholars: Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, an East Asia expert and founder of the field's most prominent blog, Arms Control Wonk and Dr. Avner Cohen, author of the most definitive studies of Israel's nuclear weapons program.

New Master's Degree

Building on 20 years of acknowledged leadership in education and research to combat WMD proliferation, the Monterey Institute launched the Master of Arts in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies in fall 2010. The strong interest in the new degree was evident in this fall's enrollment, which exceeded 80 students, making it the largest MA program within the Graduate School of International Policy and Management.

The year's news also includes the tragic death of Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Pikayev, who headed the CNS Nonproliferation Project in Russia. In honor of his contributions to the field, CNS established a scholarship fund for Russian students who pursue graduate work in nonproliferation studies at the Monterey Institute.

Please take this moment as the end of the year approaches to show your support for CNS and its mission of combating WMD proliferation by making a generous gift to the Center's General Fund or to specific activities such as the Alexander Pikayev Scholarship Fund. Gifts from alumni and friends like you make possible our success stories such as the recent announcement by Belarus that it would eliminate its entire stockpile of weapons grade highly-enriched uranium. To show your support, please visit http://www.miis.edu/giving and donate online.

Sincerely,

Dr. William C. Potter, Founding Director
James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
Monterey Institute of International Studies