As strategic competition between the United States, Russia, and China intensifies and emerging technologies risk exacerbating nuclear tensions, questions about the direction of U.S. nuclear policy have taken on new urgency. In response to this evolving threat environment, NTI’s Global Nuclear Policy Program convened the inaugural session of the Deterrence Study Group (DSG) on October 28, 2025.
The DSG, which comprises former senior U.S. government officials and leading U.S. and international experts, will meet quarterly over the next year to examine major aspects of U.S. nuclear posture and policy. Through scenario-based discussions, participants will evaluate the risks, benefits, and costs of different deterrence approaches and explore options for managing nuclear escalation risks. NTI will draw on the group’s insights and analysis to develop recommendations for deterrence strategies that reduce risks and mitigate crisis and arms race instabilities.
Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on nuclear and biological threats.
New START, the last remaining arms control treaty capping U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, expires on February 5. This marks the beginning of a dangerous new era. For the first time in several decades, there will be no limits on nuclear weapons, less visibility into Russian nuclear weapons activities, and fewer tools to manage a crisis between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
Participants examined how NWFZs can be productive geopolitical tools amid mounting challenges, including great power competition, disruptive technologies, and a weakening global nonproliferation and disarmament architecture.
At a time of rising global tensions and rapid technological change, NTI continues to deepen its international partnerships and promote productive dialogue on nuclear risk reduction efforts.
Sign up for regular updates on innovative, real-world solutions to existential threats.
