Nuclear Nonproliferation

During the Cold War, policy makers and scholars worried that nuclear weapons would proliferate widely—yet, after all this time, there remain relatively few nuclear powers. Today, the nonproliferation regime faces challenges from unrecognized nuclear states like North Korea and other rogue regimes like Iran. The international community must continue to limit the spread of nuclear weapons, while the United States works to assure nuclear-proliferation compliant allies of the integrity of the US nuclear umbrella.

Content

Dispatches

Mar 4, 2026

What Macron’s changes to French nuclear policy mean for European security

By Jonathan Rosenstein and Emily Cheesman

The president’s plan, announced on March 2, expands France’s nuclear arsenal and deepens its cooperation on deterrence with European allies.

France Nuclear Deterrence

MENASource

Feb 27, 2026

Regime change in Iran? Here’s why the US should avoid the temptation.

By Jennifer Gavito and Bianca Rosen

Launching a large-scale conflict aimed at regime change in Iran would likely create more problems than it would solve for the United States.

Conflict Crisis Management

Dispatches

Feb 19, 2026

Before striking Iran, Trump should answer these six questions

By Nate Swanson

As negotiations falter, a new conflict looks increasingly likely. Asking the right questions now can prevent problems later on.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Feb 3, 2026

Seven things to know about the potential for resumed Iran nuclear negotiations

By Nate Swanson

The tentatively planned resumption of US-Iran nuclear talks this week does not mean US military action is off the table.

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Dec 22, 2025

Nuclear priorities for the Trump administration: A time to decide

By Matthew Kroenig, Jonathan Rosenstein

This report offers recommendations to the Donald Trump administration for policy and investment decisions that will shape this new era of strategic competition in the United States’ favor.

China Missile Defense

Dispatches

Dec 12, 2025

Iran poses challenges to a National Security Strategy ready to move on

By Nate Swanson

If, as its new strategy suggests, the White House wants to spend less time on Iran, then it has three options—and one is better than the others.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Nov 3, 2025

Kroenig in Fox News on nuclear tests

On October 31, Matthew Kroenig, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director, was interviewed on Fox News about President Trump’s call to resume nuclear testing. He discussed the concerns that Russia and China are conducting nuclear tests in an undetectable manner.

Arms Control Nuclear Nonproliferation

In the News

Oct 31, 2025

Kroenig in Fox News on US nuclear tests

On October 31, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in an article in Fox News. He argues that President Trump’s call to resume nuclear testing may be referring to nuclear-powered weapon delivery systems.

Arms Control International Norms

In the News

Oct 29, 2025

Woolf defends arms control and New START in new commentary

By Atlantic Council

On October 21, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Amy Woolf published an article with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) titled “Beyond New START: What Happens Next in Nuclear Arms Control?” She argues that the United States should continue to pursue arms control discussions with Russia and China to manage nuclear competition and reduce the […]

China Nuclear Deterrence

MENASource

Oct 20, 2025

Will the US achieve a ‘big, beautiful’ Iran deal or stall in homeostasis?

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Cranston Kline

The Gaza cease-fire showcased how when the US president gets personally involved, the seemingly impossible can become possible.

Iran Israel

Experts