CNS Occasional Papers

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.

Report cover image of crates with radiological materials inside. : Experts from the National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities of the Republic of Moldova (NARNRA) verify the submitted inventory of sources at the JSC Moldova Steel Works in November 2014

OP#57: Radiological Security in Contested Territories

One of the few success stories in the elimination of radioactive sources from a contested territory is the Republic of Moldova’s removal of approximately 2,700 disused radioactive materials from the breakaway region of Transdniestria.

Cover of OP#56: Russian-Turkish Relations and Implications for U.S. Strategy and Operations

OP#56: Russian-Turkish Relations and Implications for U.S. Strategy and Operations

This study outlines an inventory of measures the U.S. government can take, comprising strategic and operational recommendations.

Everything Counts: Building a Control Regime for Nonstrategic Nuclear Warheads in Europe (CNS Occasional Paper #55)

OP55: Everything Counts: Building a Control Regime for Nonstrategic Nuclear Warheads in Europe

Such an agreement will face major negotiating and implementation challenges—not only between Washington and Moscow, but also between Washington and NATO European allies.

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.