CNS Occasional Papers

Cover of OP67: Putin's New Frontier: The Prospects and Limitations of Africa Corps

OP67: Putin’s New Frontier: The Prospects and Limitations of Africa Corps

This study chronicles the emergence of Africa Corps and assesses its activities since summer 2023 in relevant African states.

Cover of OP66 The Pendulum Swings Back: Envisioning the Future Trajectory of an Increasingly Asymmetric Iran-Russia Defense Relationship

OP66:The Pendulum Swings Back: Envisioning the Future Trajectory of an Increasingly Asymmetric Iran-Russia Defense Relationship

With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran emerged as an important provider of defense technology to Russia.

Cover of Russian Hybrid (New Generation) Warfare in the Time of a Systemic Political-Military Transition

OP65: Russian Hybrid (New Generation) Warfare in the Time of a Systemic Political-Military Transition

Perhaps the most important takeaway from this study is the conclusion that Russia’s ability to conduct hybrid operations is limited.

Cover for OP64: Nuclear Verification’s Holy Grail: Verifying Nuclear Warheads — a new approach

OP64: Nuclear Verification’s Holy Grail: Verifying Nuclear Warheads — a new approach

This paper presents verification methods, technologies, and measures that may be used to design a verification protocol for any type of warhead stockpile agreement.

Occasional Paper #63 cover.

OP63: Generative AI and WMD Nonproliferation: Why Diplomats and Policymakers Need to Pay Attention Now and Develop AI Literacy

Policymakers and diplomats must urgently develop AI literacy to harness its benefits while safeguarding against potential misuse.

OP#62: The Future of NATO’s Nuclear Posture and Arms Control in Today’s More Dangerous World

At the present moment, it is hard to see grounds for optimism when it comes to nuclear arms control or risk reduction.

Cover for OP#61: Iran-Russia Defense Cooperation: Current Realities and Future Horizons

OP#61: Iran-Russia Defense Cooperation: Current Realities and Future Horizons

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country’s defense relationship with Iran has deepened and widened considerably.

OP#60: Nuclear China in the Twenty-First Century: Status and Implications for the World and Europe

Concerns over China’s rapid nuclear arsenal expansion have prompted global efforts to assess its implications, especially for NATO’s security.

OP#59: Russia, The Global South and Multilateral Nuclear Diplomacy after the Invasion of Ukraine

OP#59: Russia, The Global South and Multilateral Nuclear Diplomacy after the Invasion of Ukraine

This paper assesses the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on multilateral nuclear diplomacy, with a particular focus on dynamics between Russia and countries of the Global South.

Cover of the Occasional Paper #58: Dangerous Decline: Russia’s Military and Security Influence in the Global South and the Implications for the United States

OP#58: Dangerous Decline: Russia’s Military and Security Influence in the Global South and the Implications for the United States

This study argues that Russia seeks to boost its military and security influence in the Global South in light of what it considers a protracted, systemic confrontation with Western states.