The core programs of the Center consist of interrelated and mutually supporting activities organized to address major areas of concern to nonproliferation.

 

Overview

Programs & Areas of Activity

Chemical & Biological Weapons

The Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program (CBWNP) follows developments throughout the world related to the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons and the negotiation and implementation of related arms control treaties and non- or counter-proliferation measures. The program also conducts preparedness planning and training for local, state, and federal officials on incidents of chemical and biological terrorism.

East Asia

The East Asia Nonproliferation Program (EANP) is building a community of nonproliferation specialists in East Asia by introducing new courses in universities on arms control and nonproliferation; training government officials, journalists, research analysts, and professors in nonproliferation issues through its visiting fellows program; and linking a new generation of East Asian professionals to the international community of nonproliferation specialists. EANP conducts extensive research studies on nonproliferation issues affecting East Asia and operates one of the most comprehensive open-source electronic databases on Chinese arms control and nonproliferation developments.

Middle East

CNS Middle East Nonproliferation activities are dedicated to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and reducing the risk of their use by providing original, policy-focused research, promoting robust U.S. and international nonproliferation policies, teaching and training on regional nonproliferation issues, and enhancing regional security and dialogue.

Education

The Education Program (EDU) supports the mission of the Center through its visiting fellows program, high school education and outreach activities, recruitment of prospective students, placement of graduate research assistants and summer interns, and training officials and academics nonproliferation terminology. Program staff and project managers also engage in research on disarmament and nonproliferation education, combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and regional security issues.

International Organizations & Nonproliferation

The International Organizations and Nonproliferation Program (IONP) conducts research and policy analysis on the new roles and activities of international organizations as they deal with emerging proliferation concerns. The program currently focuses on the review processes of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention to prepare policymakers for future review conferences of these treaties.

Eurasia

The Eurasia Nonproliferation Program (ENP) [was Newly Independent States Nonproliferation Program (NISNP)] has established a multi-disciplinary community of nonproliferation specialists throughout the former Soviet Union. The program provides training and research opportunities to this community, supports the introduction of nonproliferation courses and material in the universities of Soviet successor states, facilitates the integration of NIS specialists into the broader group of international nonproliferation experts, and publishes timely material about post-Soviet proliferation developments. The program also maintains the most comprehensive, unclassified computer database on nuclear issues involving the former Soviet Union.

Offices

Monterey, California (Main office)

Established in 1989 as a part of the Monterey Institute for International Studies, CNS has a full-time staff of more than 40 specialists and over 50 graduate student research assistants.

Washington, D.C. (Branch office)

The Washington office opened in 1996 and acts as a liaison between the CNS main office in Monterey, CA and the Washington policy, media, and research community. The Center's Washington office conducts its own research, training, and outreach activities in cooperation with the main office.

Vienna, Austria (VCDNP)

The Austrian Foreign Ministry for European and International Affairs selected CNS as its partner institution in the establishment of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. The Center serves as an international hub for discussions among representatives of civil society, governments, and international organizations of the most pressing nuclear disarmament and proliferation challenges.