战略与国际研究中心-A-Collection-of-Papers-from-the-2009-Conference-Series_2页_95kb

PONI 2009 Conference Series Summary

Introduction

The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI), launched in 2003 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), was created to revitalize and strengthen the community of nuclear weapons experts, which had been shrinking and losing critical technical and policy expertise, especially among younger generations. A key component of PONI's mission is the conference series, which promotes innovative thinking and fosters dialogue among experts at all career levels.

Core Content

The 2009 conference series aimed to address the evolving role of nuclear weapons in international security. It brought together participants from across the country and around the world, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and diverse perspectives. The series was designed to encourage new ideas and leadership, particularly from newcomers to the field, who are seen as crucial for the future of nuclear policy and technical expertise.

Each conference was strategically planned to align with the 2009 research agenda, which focused on four main categories:

• Preventing Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Terrorism
• Arms Control and Disarmament
• Nuclear Posture
• Sustaining Infrastructure Capabilities and Competence

These topics reflect the broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities in nuclear policy and strategy.

Key Events and Contributions

• Spring Conference: Hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy, it featured a special panel on arms control and disarmament, addressing the underrepresentation of this group in PONI events.
• Summer Conference: Held at the University of California, San Diego, it strengthened ties with the PPNT program, which trains emerging nuclear experts. The timing of the conference aligned with the conclusion of the program, allowing for direct engagement with its participants.
• Fall Conference: Organized at the Royal Society in London, it enhanced PONI's visibility within the scientific community, particularly in the UK and Europe.

Capstone Event

The winter capstone event at Offutt AFB in Omaha featured selected briefings from the spring, summer, and fall conferences. These briefings were compiled into a journal that captures the essence of the discussions and insights from the 2009 series. The journal addresses both broad and specific issues in nuclear strategy and policy, offering valuable perspectives for current and future decision-making.

Acknowledgments

PONI expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions, which were essential to the success of the conference series. Senior experts who moderated panels and participated in discussions provided significant intellectual value. The organization also acknowledged the financial support from several key institutions, including:

• Defense Threat Reduction Agency
• National Nuclear Security Administration
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Northrop Grumman Corporation

Special thanks were extended to the UK Ministry of Defence for its vital support, which was crucial for the fall conference. The cooperation of Offutt Air Force Base and the U.S. Strategic Command was also highlighted, as it enabled PONI to provide a unique platform for discussions with senior military and nuclear leadership.

Conclusion

The 2009 PONI conference series demonstrated the organization's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community of nuclear experts. By engaging with a wide range of participants and leveraging strategic locations and partnerships, PONI was able to advance its mission of promoting innovative thinking and strengthening the nuclear policy and technical enterprise. The resulting journal serves as a valuable resource, reflecting the depth and diversity of ideas generated throughout the year.