CENTER FOR STRATEGIC DETERRENCE AND WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION STUDIES 

 

The INSS Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Studies (CSWMD) provides expertise on the full range of issues related to WMD and their potential use, from strategic deterrence to countering WMD activities. CSWMD conducts research, analysis, and policy support activities that contribute to decision makers’ understanding of the security implications of WMD; supports academic and leadership development programs; and engages with the broader national security community.

Focus Areas

Strategic Deterrence

Countering WMD

Disruptive Technology

Meet the Experts

Dr. Justin Anderson, Research Fellow, CSWMD
Justin Anderson
Senior Fellow, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Forces
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CSWMD
Sarah Gamberini
Senior Fellow, Strategic Communications and Deterrence
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Professional photo of Dr. Kathleen Ellis
Kathleen Ellis
Senior Fellow, WMD Threats and Deterrence
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Diane DiEuliis
Diane DiEuliis
Expert Consultant
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Chris Andrews
Fellow, China, Chinese Nuclear Strategy
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Paul David-Justus
Assistant Fellow, WMD Threats, Integrated Deterrence
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Ashley Bramucci
Assistant Fellow, Conventional and Nuclear Deterrence
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Research and Commentary

A laboratory technician wearing full protective gear works inside a biosafety cabinet in a high-containment lab. The worker handles glass equipment and samples while surrounded by petri dishes and scientific instruments. Signs on the cabinet reference “Pathogen Construct” and “Aerosol Stability,” and a “BSL-3 Access” warning is visible, indicating research involving potentially hazardous biological materials.
Breaking (Bad) Biotech — Revisiting the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
By Dr. James Giordano | April 16, 2026
Dr. Giordano explores how advances in biotechnology, like gene editing and AI, allow adversaries to easily create novel, weaponizable biological agents that are difficult to detect and defend against. In an evolving operational environment, the nature of biological warfare has shifted.

Screengrab of webinar
INSS Joins ASU Webinar to Discuss Ethical Frontiers of BCIs in Military Contexts
By Dr. James Giordano | April 15, 2026
There are growing considerations of using current and emerging neurotechnology to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) aimed at optimizing performance of the joint warfighter.

Illuminated brain map with network pathways. Visualization of interconnected neural pathways in brain.
Cognitive Warfare and the Changing Character of Engagement: A Neurostrategic Perspective
By Dr. James Giordano | April 9, 2026
The contemporary battlespace is undergoing a profound transformation in its fundamental logic.