Priorities

At a time when the risk of use of a nuclear weapon is higher than it has been in decades, the world needs a new vision for global security where the risks posed by nuclear weapons and arsenals are understood, reduced, and ultimately eliminated. Through policies and programs, dialogues and cooperative initiatives, NTI works to promote new thinking around nuclear weapons and build the strategies and systems that will allow the world to move beyond an outdated and increasingly dangerous nuclear posture and toward a safer world.

The United States and Russia together hold more than 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons, making efforts to reduce the risks of an accident, mistake, or miscalculation with catastrophic consequences a global security imperative. NTI works to rebuild bilateral engagement and collaboration with Russia on reducing cyber risks to nuclear weapons systems; preventing nuclear terrorism; ensuring secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology; and enhancing prospects for future arms control measures. NTI also partners with expert counterparts in Russia to address emerging biological risks and promote biosafety, biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness.

China’s expanding nuclear ambitions and evolving biosecurity challenges make cooperation with Beijing crucial for reducing regional and global catastrophic risks. NTI works with key leaders and organizations in China and across the region to promote nonproliferation and disarmament, foster the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, strengthen nuclear materials security, verify arms reductions, reduce biological and pandemic risks, and more. NTI seeks to strengthen engagement between China, the United States, and others through cooperative exercises with security experts, initiatives to develop new security-based norms, technical exchanges, and information sharing, and policy discussions.

Today’s students and young professionals will inherit enormous global nuclear and biosecurity challenges and need the support of collaborative global networks, as well as training and opportunities, to develop the contacts, analytic skills, and creativity to solve them. NTI builds networks for emerging leaders to share experiences, sponsors competitions to bring young leaders together, supports post-graduate work for scholars, and maintains a robust internship program to help develop the next generation of leaders so they are equipped to tackle the escalating and evolving threats posed by weapons of  mass destruction and disruption.

An informed and engaged public is a key ingredient to a vibrant democracy and a future free from catastrophic threats. Nuclear and biological risks affect all of us–which is why everyone deserves a role in helping address them. NTI seeks to engage broader publics through our website and educational content, public seminars, and videos. NTI partners with influential people in the faith, culture, business, and other communities to inform the public of risks and how to address them–and help envision a safe, vibrant, and peaceful future.