CNS Occasional Papers

3D rendering satellite image of middle east at night

OP #54: Implications of Russia’s Activities in the Middle East and North Africa Region for U.S. Strategy and Interests

Russia’s ability to project power into the region remains limited today, and the status quo seems tolerable. But there are risks to U.S. interests in the future.

North Korean woman in a hospital bed

OP #53: Public-health Engagement with North Korea in the COVID-19 Era

A new program of humanitarian aid will be needed to permit a safe reopening, and potentially also to address the human consequences of the protracted closure.

DNA illustration

OP #52: Scientific Risk Assessment of Genetic Weapons Systems

Examines potential for precision medicine to be used in a genetic weapon system, state capabilities and motivations, and offers policy recommendations.

The facility FRM II, from the IAEA Imagebank via Flickr.

OP #51: The Final Stretch: Tackling Remaining HEU Challenges

HEU represents a highly attractive target for terrorists and proliferators.

Open Skies Airplane in flight

OP #50: Making a Better Open Skies Treaty

How the Biden Administration can re-join the treaty, Russia may be persuaded to stay in it, and other members can help facilitate them.

OP #49: A Guide to Investigating Outbreak Origins

Nature versus the laboratory.

OP #48: US Nonproliferation Cooperation with Russia and China

Absent great power cooperation, nonproliferation will be difficult to sustain.

Phosphate mine - Cover of OP#47: Dual Use in the DPRK: Uranium Extraction from Phosphate Fertilizer Factories

OP #47: Dual Use in the DPRK

North Korea could produce more yellowcake than previously assessed.

North Korean missiles trapped in ice with sunshine photo illustration

OP #46: Options for a Verifiable Freeze on North Korea’s Missile Programs

Freezing North Korea’s missile program can be a first step toward promoting trust and providing concrete security benefits.

OP #45: The Finger on the Button

Authorizing and executing launch in nuclear-armed states.