Recent Stories:

Pilot Course on International Nuclear Safeguards Policy in Monterey
A two-week course was taught by CNS and the Monterey Institute with presentations by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and others.
Created: June 18, 2008
Image: Class photo.

Report on NWFZ in the Middle East
New report from the Monterey Nonproliferation Strategy Group on the issue of Preconditions for a NWFZ in the Middle East.
Created: June 13, 2008
Image: MNSG members

NPT Briefing Book, 2008 Edition
The most comprehensive source of background and reference material on the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and its associated regime is now available online.
Created: June 10, 2008
Image: Palais des Nations in Geneva

International Reactions: What if Israel Attacks Iran?
An Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would divide the international community, despite any potential consensus against Tehran's suspected nuclear program.
Created: May 22, 2008
Image: Israeli F-16s. [Src: http://www.iaf.org.il]

Promoting Disarmament and Nonproliferation Education
On April 30, 2008, a seminar promoting disarmament and nonproliferation education was held for the first time as a side event in conjunction with the NPT PrepCom.
Created: May 22, 2008
Image: DNPE seminar panelists

Preparing for 2010: Striking a Balance between Nuclear Disarmament & Nuclear Nonproliferation
CNS hosted a two-day diplomatic workshop on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on 7 and 8 March 2008 in Annecy, France.
Created: April 15, 2008
Image: CNS Annecy Workshop

Pelindaba Treaty Resource Page
On the 12th anniversary of the signing in Cairo of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty, CNS announces a new web-based "Pelindaba Treaty resource page."
Created: April 11, 2008
Image: Pelindaba Nuclear Facility

Taiwan's Presidential Election and its Impact on Cross-Strait Relations and Regional Security
Taiwan's recent elections will likely be an important turning point for Taipei's relations with China, the U.S. and Japan.
Created: April 4, 2008
Image: Ma Ying-jeou after election victory

The Race Towards Entry Into Force of the Pelindaba Treaty: Mozambique Leading the Charge
Mozambique's recent ratification of the Pelindaba Treaty has renewed hope that a NWFZ in Africa may soon be realized.
Created: March 31, 2008
Image: Pelindaba Nuclear Facility

The Future of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The current budgetary crisis at the PrepCom for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization threatens to further diminish prospects for the CTBT's entry into force. However, recent political developments may breathe new life into the treaty.
Created: March 7, 2008
Image: Mushroom cloud from the Ivy Mike Nuclear Test [Src: Wikipedia]

SPECIAL REPORT ON RICIN [PDF]
In light of the discovery today (February 29) of vials of ricin in Las Vegas, Nevada, CNS has compiled a special information page with details about ricin and previous incidents involving the toxin.
Created: February 29, 2008
Image: Castor beans. [Src: Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database]

Study Finds U.S. Intelligence Community Confidence in Iran's Chemical Weapons Capability Has Diminished Steadily Since 2003 [PDF]
Despite arguing for years that Iran had an active and growing chemical weapons program, U.S. intelligence in 2003 began to back away from such definitive assessments, a shift gone largely unnoticed and unremarked by policy makers and specialists alike.
Created: February 18, 2008
Image: U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Mike McConnell. [Src: Radio Free Europe]

Top Ten Most Significant Events & Trends of 2007 [PDF]
There were a number of important and even surprising nonproliferation- related developments during 2007. CNS offers a top 10 list of the most significant events and trends in 2007, both as a guide to the year just passed and as a road map for what to watch for in 2008.
Created: January 8, 2008
Image: Earth from space [Src: Nasa]

Story Archives

2007:

Seizure of Uranium in Slovakia Produces Maelstrom of Exaggerated News Reports in International Media
A recent trafficking case on the Slovak-Hungarian border gains media attention despite little evidence of proliferation significant activity.
Created: December 21, 2007
Image: Radioisotope identifying device.


Iranian Nuclear Program Remains Major Threat Despite Partial Freeze
Despite a December 3, 2007 U.S. National Intelligence Estimate assessment that Iran's "nuclear weapons program" was halted in 2003, serious concerns remain.
Created: December 6, 2007
Image: Bushehr, Iran Satellite Photo [Src: Space Imaging]


Israeli Airstrike in Syria: International Reactions
A comprehensive look at international reaction to Israel's September 6, 2007, air strike against a site in the Syrian desert, now widely believed to have been a partially completed nuclear reactor.
Created: November 5, 2007
Image: Israeli F-16s. [Src: http://www.iaf.org.il]


The Iran Counter-Proliferation Act: Potential Implications for Russian-Iranian Relations and U.S.-Russian Nuclear Cooperation
A review of the likely impact of the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, in light of a recent move by the Bush Administration to tighten financial sanctions against Iran.
Created: October 26, 2007
Image: Act author, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos.


Workshop on Implementing UNSC Resolution 1540 in the Kyrgyz Republic
On October 16-17, 2007, CNS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic conducted a workshop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1540 in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Created: October 23, 2007
Image: Elena Sokova, Askarbek Beshimov, Marat Usupov, and Markus Mueller.


CNS Researcher Speaks on Nuclear Terrorism at Russian Duma
On September 27, an international seminar on Countering Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism was held at the Russian State Duma. CNS researcher Cristina Chuen provides an overview of the presentations and recommendations made at the event.
Created: October 5, 2007
Image: Duma Deputy General Anatoly Kulikov, former Congressman Curt Weldon, NISNP Director Cristina Chuen, and Kulikov's Legislative Assistant (former CNS visiting fellow) Vladimir Goltsov, Russian State Duma, September 27, 2007.


Beijing on Biohazards: Chinese Experts on Bioweapons Nonproliferation Issues
These essays are seeds for a dialogue between Chinese and Western policymakers about the nature of the biological weapons threat and the tools to reduce the threat of proliferation.
Created: September 19, 2007
Image: Chinese flag and biohazard symbol.


Australian Foreign Minister: Treaty Bans Australian Uranium Exports To India
Official records show that in 1996, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty bans Australian uranium exports to states like India. Nevertheless, on August 16, 2007, Prime Minister John Howard announced Australia was prepared to sell uranium to India, ending a long-standing embargo.
Created: August 27, 2007
Image: South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone


Chemical Non-Lethal Weapons -- Why the Pentagon Wants Them and Why Others Don't
While some experts hail "non-lethal weapons" as a "silver bullet" forever changing the face of warfare, others point out they are only "less-lethal". Moreover, some are chemical in nature and may be incompatible with international law, particularly the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Created: June 8, 2007
Image: Police subdue a rioter. [Src: Institute for Non-lethal Defense Technologies]


Russia Tests a New Ground-Launched Cruise Missile and a New Strategic Missile on the Same Day
On May 29, 2007 Russia tested two new missiles, immediately igniting considerable controversy and speculation. The tests were advertised as a response to Eastern European missile defense but are they?
Created: June 1, 2007
Image: Launcher with the Iskander short-range ballistic missile.


Russian Nuclear-Powered Submarine Dismantlement and Related Activities: A Critique
A look at the development of the Strategic Master Plan for Northwest Russia (SMP), examining the perspectives that are informing the choice of project priorities, transparency issues, coordination, timing, and cost-effectiveness.
Created: May 24, 2007
Image: Damaged submarine. [Src: Rosatom]


Russian Nuclear Industry Reforms: Consolidation and Expansion
On April 27, 2007, the Russian president signed a decree ordering the creation of Atomenergoprom, an integrated corporation that will be the basis for the consolidation of Russia's nuclear industry, as well as expansion plans both at home and abroad.
Created: May 22, 2007
Image: Rosatom Head Sergey Kiriyenko. [Src: www.minatom.ru]


Asian Approaches to Space Security
Despite a lack of consensus and differences in space programs, broad support exists in Asia to prevent further space weaponization and to enhance cooperation.
Created: May 8, 2007
Image: Rocket illustration [Src: JAXA website]


The role of regional and sub-regional organizations in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1540: a preliminary assessment of the African continent [PDF format]
This report discusses the framework of African regional and sub-regional organizations and the role they can play implementing resolution 1540.
Created: May 8, 2007
Image: UN Security Council


CNS Special Section: NPT Resources
The updated CNS NPT Resources page features articles and documents related to the upcoming NPT Review Conference, including the 2007 NPT Briefing Book.
Created: May 3, 2007
Image: Palais des Nations in Geneva


From the Horse's Mouth: Unraveling Al-Qa`ida's Target Selection Calculus
Al-Qa`ida’s primarily selects economic targets to derail the American economy, to sever American and Muslim alliances, and to remove all Western influence from the Middle East.
Created: April 17, 2007
Image: Picture of Usama Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri [Src: cnn.com]


An Alleged "Nuclear Device" in Western Kazakhstan Is a Non-nuclear Installation
On 14 February 2007, Kazakh parliamentarian Tokhtar Aubakirov announced Kazakhstan still possessed a nuclear explosive device. However, the device is actually a research installation for high-pressure physics experiments.
Created: February 23, 2007
Image: Yava-1M installation.


Recent Weapons Grade Uranium Smuggling Case: Nuclear Materials are Still on the Loose
Recent reports of the seizure of weapons-grade uranium from traffickers in Georgia raise concerns about poor cooperation against nuclear terrorism.
Created: January 26, 2007
Image: Georgian vehicle-mounted radioactivity monitor.


Space Arms Race: China's ASAT Test a Wake-up Call
On January 11, 2007, China successfully tested a direct ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon. Despite Beijing's assurance that the test was not "aimed" at anyone, China's use of an ASAT weapon to destroy a satellite raises a number of questions about Beijing's intentions in space.
Created: January 24, 2007
Image: Artist conception of an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon.


North Korea Likely to Conduct Second Nuclear Test
From a technical standpoint, North Korea should be expected to conduct at least one or two more nuclear tests before its leaders can be confident in their "nuclear deterrent."
Created: January 8, 2007
Image: North Korean propaganda poster: "A Satellite Launch with Our Power and Knowledge: The First 'Boom' of a Strong and Powerful Country."


The Sixth BWC Review Conference: Success or Failure?
An interview with Dr. Jonathan B. Tucker, a specialist in biological and chemical weapons issues, on the outcome of the Sixth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
Created: January 4, 2007
Image: Secretary-General's address to the BWC Sixth Review Conference - 20 November 2006. Ambassador Masood Khan (Pakistan) presiding.

2006:

The North Korean Nuclear Test: Regional and International Implications [PDF format]
CNS experts took part in a panel discussion on the recent events on the Korean peninsula and what the future may hold for the international community and the nonproliferation regime.
Created: October 16, 2006
Image: Kim Jong Il posing with a Korean People's Army unit.


CNS Analysis of North Korea Nuclear Test Claim [PDF format]
CNS experts report on the technical specifications of North Korea's test as well as initial reaction from the international community.
(For more North Korea related items see the North Korea Special Section.)
Created: October 10, 2006
Image: DPRK Television news anchor announces the October 9th nuclear test.


Central Asian States Establish Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Despite U.S. Opposition
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed a treaty establishing a Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone on September 8, 2006. While not perfect, the treaty merits support as a commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament.
Updated: September 8, 2006
Created: September 5, 2006


The Oslo Symposium: On The Road To HEU Minimization
The technical workshop concluded that HEU conversion is possible in most cases, that there are no future HEU needs, and current conversion programs have been quite successful. Policymakers, however, disagreed on a path forward, despite HEU terrorism threats and conversion desirability.
Created: August 22, 2006


CNS Analysis of the Russian Government's White Paper on WMD Nonproliferation
For the first time in over a decade, the Russian government has published a White Paper on Nonproliferation, which seeks to present a detailed overview of Russia's policy and initiatives in that area.
Created: July 26, 2006


Iran's Nuclear Impasse: Give Negotiations A Chance
As direct negotiations between the United States and Iran may finally materialize, it is critical to remember that armed conflict is both unnecessary and would be mutually destructive.
Created: June 2, 2006


Mohamed ElBaradei Calls for a New Global Security Landscape
Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei spoke in Monterey on May 30, 2006. During his conversation with Dr. William Potter, Dr. ElBaradei highlighted many key issues and challenges facing the nuclear nonproliferation regime today.
[Press release]
Created: May 31, 2006


North Korean Ballistic Missile Capabilities (PDF format)
A new special report from CNS answers key questions about North Korea's ballistic missiles and presents estimates of their missile capabilities.
Created: March 21, 2006


Nonproliferation Issues Raised by U.S.-India Nuclear Deal
The March 2 agreement on US-India nuclear cooperation has raised a number of concerns that require further attention, especially with regards to its effect on the international nonproliferation regime.
Created: March 2, 2006


Two CNS analysts, one from South Africa and one from Russia, give their perspectives on the Iranian nuclear crisis.
•Defusing The Iranian Nuclear Crisis: A Carrot and Stick Approach
Jean duPreez examines the potential consequences of the IAEA Board decision to report the issue to the U.N. Security Council, with a particular focus on Iran's reactions, and argues that a diplomatic solution along the lines of the Six-Party talks is needed or the crisis is likely to spiral out of control.
•Prospects of Russian Mediation of the Iranian Nuclear Crisis
Nikolai Sokov analyzes the Russian position vis-a-vis Iran, and predicts the policies Moscow is likely to adopt under various scenarios.
Created: February 17, 2006


Space Conflict or Space Cooperation?
U.S. defense policy assumes space weapon deployment is the answer to the vulnerability of space assets. However, "cooperative engagement" with possible rivals in space, and steering programs toward U.S. interests may be an equally viable option.
Created: January 26, 2006


Chronology of Key Events Related to the Implementation of IAEA Safeguards in Iran
The IAEA Board of Governors looks set to discuss the Iran nuclear issue at a meeting scheduled for February 2. CNS has prepared a detailed chronology of key events in the IAEA examination of the scope and nature of Iran's nuclear program from June 2003 to the present.
Created: January 20, 2006

2005:

• Conflicting Goals under the World Customs Organization - December 22
• A Decade of Chinese Arms Control: A Survey of Progress Ahead of Bush's Visit to China - November 18 (PDF format)
• The Future Shape of Russia's ICBM Force Clarified - November 9
• Iran's Game of Nuclear Poker: Knowing When to Fold - August 26
• India and the New Look of U.S. Nonproliferation Policy - August 25
• Despite Nuclear Terrorism Risks, Congress Relaxes HEU Export Controls - August 4
• Leading Iraqi Nuclear Scientist, Once Imprisoned, Elected to Prominent Post - June 15
• Stalemate in the Diplomatic Trenches: An Overview of the Diverging Positions at the 2005 NPT Review Conference - May 16 (PDF format)
• Reducing the Risk of Nuclear Terrorism: Decreasing the Availability of HEU - May 6
• Special Report on the Shutdown of North Korea's 5MW(e) Nuclear Reactor - April 28 (PDF format)
• Kyrgyz Government Ousted - March 24
• Special Report on the North Korean Nuclear Weapons Statement - February 11
• Cleanup After a Radiological Attack: U.S. Prepares Guidance - January 12 (PDF format)

2004:

• South Korea's Nuclear Experiments - November 9
• IAEA Board Gives Iran Yet Another Chance - September 27
• A Preemptive Attack on Iran's Nuclear Facilities: Possible Consequences - August 12
• Art or Bioterrorism? The Implications of the Kurtz Case - July 27
• The 2004 Russian Government Reforms - July 13
• New Book Says U.S. Cities Vulnerable to Terrorist Attack with Improvised Nuclear Weapons - June 18
• The Global Partnership and Submarine Dismantlement - June 8
• Osmium Tetroxide - a New Chemical Terrorism Weapon? - April 13
• Possible Suspects and Motives for the Suicide Bombings In Iraq - March 30
• Chen's Gambit: The Legal Basis and Potential Policy Consequences of Taiwan's Referendum - March 16
• Military Exercises In Russia: Naval Deterrence Failures Compensated By Strategic Rocket Success - February 24
• Proliferation Unbound: Nuclear Tales from Pakistan - February 23
• Missile Defense and Space Policy: 2004 Presidential Candidate Positions - February 16
• "Suitcase Nukes:" Permanently Lost Luggage - February 13
• Moonstruck: What's Up with U.S. Space Policy? - February 2
• In Post-War Iraq, Placating the Shi'a is Paramount - January 30
• The EU Moves Closer to Establishing a European CDC - January 8

2003:

• Libya and Nonproliferation - December 24
• Controversy in Germany: Siemens Sale of MOX Plant to China - December 12
• Russian Submarine Dismantlement Issues - December 3
• The Basics of Chemical and Biological Weapons Detectors - November 24
• The Historical Roots of Current Terrorist Tactics and Methods - November 21
• First Committee 2003 - November 3
• Congressional Debate on Nuclear Weapons Policy: From the Nuclear Brink to the Slippery Slope - October 27
• China's Manned Space Program: Trajectory and Motivations - October 6
• The Democratic Presidential Candidates on WMD Proliferation and International Security - September 24
• Third Conference on CTBT Entry into Force Adjourns - September 17
• What to Expect from the Six-Party Talks on the Korean Nuclear Crisis - August 25
• Exploring Linkages among Missile Proliferation, Missile Defense, and Space Security - August 14
• Radioactive Cesium Seizure in Thailand: Riddled with Uncertainties - July 17
• Proliferation Security Initiative to Stem Flow of WMD Matériel - July 16
• Iran Rebuked for Failing to Comply with IAEA Safeguards - June 18
• What's Behind U.S. Nonproliferation Sanctions Against Norinco? - May 30
• New Nuclear Weapons? - May 28
• 2003 NPT Preparatory Committee: "Business as Usual? - May 7
• South Korean Electoral Politics and Seoul's Position on the North Korean Nuclear Crisis - April 28
• Little-Known Commercial Enterprise Seeks to Take Over Russian Plutonium Disposition - April 27
• North Korean Cruise Missile Tests--and Iraqi Cruise Missile Attacks--Raise Troubling Questions for Missile Defenses - April 21
• North Korea's Withdrawal From the NPT: A Reality Check - April 8
• Russian Nuclear Exports to Iran: U.S. Policy Change Needed - March 27
• Will Kirkuk's Oil Fields Burn? - March 21
• Smallpox: Threat, Vaccine, and US Policy (Part VI) - March 10
• Disarming Iraq by Force: WMD Stakes and Scenarios - March 10
• Smallpox: Threat, Vaccine, and US Policy (Part V) - February 17
• Russia's Views On the Crisis in Iraq - February 17
• Smallpox: Threat, Vaccine, and US Policy (Part IV) - February 3
• Study Details Steps To Reduce Dirty Bomb Threat - January 13
• Smallpox: Threat, Vaccine, and US Policy (Part III) - January 13
• Smallpox: Threat, Vaccine, and U.S. Policy (Parts I & II) - January 6

2002:

• Limiting the Contribution of the Scientific Literature to the BW Threat - December 16, 2002
• North Korea Lifts the Freeze on Its Nuclear Program - December 16, 2002
• Biosecurity Measures for Preventing Bioterrorism - November 25, 2002
• Renewed Efforts to Strengthen the BTWC - November 11, 2002
• The Moscow Theater Hostage Crisis: Incapacitants and Chemical Warfare - November 4, 2002
• Outlook for the Resumed BWC Fifth Review Conference - November 4, 2002
• When Did WMD Deals Between Pyongyang and Islamabad Begin? - October 28, 2002
• Collapse of the Agreed Framework? - October 21, 2002
• U.N. First Committee Grapples with Peace and Security Issues - October 14, 2002
• U.N. Study on Disarmament and Nonproliferation Education Presented to the General Assembly - October 7, 2002
• Central Asian States Achieve Breakthrough on Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty - September 30, 2002
• "Suitcase Nukes": A Reassessment - September 23, 2002
• Cuba's Accession to the NPT: A Step Toward Strengthening the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime - September 16, 2002
• John Wolf Interview: Details on G-8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of WMD - September 9, 2002
• "Dirty Bomb" Threat Awakens Dormant Disarmament Conference - August 26, 2002
• The 10 plus 10 over 10 Initiative: A Promising Start, But Little Substance So Far - August 12, 2002
• Conflicting Evidence Revives "Yellow Rain" Controversy - August 5, 2002
• Public Health Experts Comment on Analysis of the 1971 Smallpox Outbreak in the Soviet Union - July 29, 2002
• China's Space Capabilities and the Strategic Logic of Anti-Satellite Weapons - July 22, 2002
• Legislative Response to Potential Bioterrorist Threat - July 8, 2002
• Russian Floating Nuclear Reactors - Proliferation Risks - June 24, 2002
• CNS Releases Secret Soviet Smallpox Report - June 17, 2002
• India's Compellance Strategy: Calling Pakistan's Nuclear Bluff Over Kashmir - June 10, 2002
• Renewed U.S. - Russian Controversy Over Nuclear Testing - May 27, 2002
• Anthrax Hoaxes in the United States - May 20, 2002
• "START III": An End Or Beginning of Negotiations - May 13, 2002
• Bulgaria Reaffirms Plan to Destroy SS-23s - May 6, 2002
• NPT 2002 Preparatory Committee Concludes - April 29, 2002
• Space Weapons or Space Arms Control? - April 15, 2002
• Mini-Nuclear Weapons and the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review - April 8, 2002
• The U.S. Nuclear Posture Review and China's Responses - April 1, 2002
• Russian Military Violating Nuclear Safety and Inventory Rules by Shipping Damaged Fuel - March 25, 2002
• Russia Announces Plans to Participate in Research on Vozrozhdeniye Island - March 18, 2002
• Chemical Terrorist Plot in Rome? - March 11, 2002
• Greater Attention Pledged to Russian Triad's Naval Leg - March 4, 2002
• The Status of North Korea's Nuclear Inspections - February 24, 2002
• Russia to Lease Two Nuclear Submarines to India - February 18, 2002