About the Nuclear Policy Program

Nuclear dangers are increasing, yet remain largely underappreciated. Carnegie’s Nuclear Policy Program works to strengthen international security by diagnosing acute nuclear risks, informing debates on solutions, and engaging international actors to effect change.

The program’s success derives from its team of world-renowned experts of twelve nationalities. With unmatched on-the-ground knowledge and access to the highest levels of government in key states, our team is uniquely able to both develop innovative policy approaches and influence decisionmakers.

Our work spans deterrence, disarmament, nonproliferation, nuclear security, and nuclear energy. Our tools include research, capacity building, dialogue, and direct engagement with policymakers and industry.

Carnegie’s research and publications have helped define debates on the abolition of nuclear weapons, the implications of strategic conventional weapons for deterrence, the future of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the terms of Sino-Indian nuclear rivalry. Our analyses and policy recommendations have informed governments’ approaches to negotiations, legislation, UN Security Council resolutions, and the enhancement of multilateral guidelines.

Our team of experts helps foster the next generation of nuclear policy experts through capacity-building initiatives. We began negotiations between the world’s major exporters of civilian nuclear power plants in which they agreed to a set of principles covering exporting decisions and practices.

We organize the biennial International Nuclear Policy Conference—the premier event in its field—bringing together over 800 experts and officials from more than 45 countries and international organizations.

Through activities like these, the Nuclear Policy Program leverages unrivaled expertise and global reach to apply innovative policy approaches to managing the world’s most dangerous weapons.

Blending extensive academic, industry, and governmental experience, Carnegie’s multilateral staff is at the forefront of nuclear policy issues in the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Northeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East.