Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction

 

The INSS Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction (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. With its interdisciplinary approach and partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations, CSWMD is a leader in advancing knowledge and understanding of WMD and their implications for national security. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff designated CSWMD as the focal point for WMD education in joint professional military education (JPME).

Under the direction of Mr. Brendan G. Melley, CSWMD prepares the joint warfighter and U.S. national security leaders to address the challenges posed by WMD through education, research, analysis, policy support, and outreach activities across the full spectrum of WMD issues.  

Focus Areas

Strategic Deterrence 

Countering WMD

 Science & Technology

    

Research and Commentary

Cover of NIPP Occasional Paper
Re-examining National Missile Defense Strategy: Defending Against China
By Dr. Kathleen Ellis | June 11, 2025
Dr. Kathleen Ellis, CSWMD Senior Policy Fellow, authored a National Institute for Public Policy (NIPP) Occasional Paper, “Re-examining National Missile Defense Strategy: Defending Against China,”

INSS Senior Policy Fellow Sarah Gamberini delivered a presentation on developing strategic communications plans for countering adversary information warfare campaigns focused on weapons of mass destruction to the Nuclear Policy Group’s High Level Group at NATO Headquarters in April 2025.
Briefing on Nuclear Narrative Considerations for NATO to Nuclear Policy Group: Brussels
By Sarah Gamberini | May 1, 2025
At the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Nuclear and Countering WMD Policy, Sarah Gamberini delivered a presentation on developing strategic communications plans for countering adversary information warfare campaigns focused on weapons of mass destruction to the Nuclear Policy Group’s High Level Group at NATO Headquarters in April 2025.

1* 9.00 začetek regionalne konference PSI (Proliferation Security Initiative); Grand hotel Union, LJUBLJANA

Foto: Nebojša Tejić/STA
INSS Participates in Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Balkans Regional Engagement in Slovenia
By Mr. Paul J. David-Justus and Dr. Kathleen Ellis | April 30, 2025
On 15 April, Mr. Paul J. David-Justus and Senior Policy Fellow Dr. Kathleen Ellis facilitated a tabletop exercise at the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Balkans Regional Engagement in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Meet the Experts

CSWMD
Brendan G. Melley
Director, CSWMD
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Dr. Justin Anderson, Research Fellow, CSWMD
Justin Anderson
Senior Research Fellow, CSWMD
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CSWMD
Sarah Gamberini
Senior Policy Fellow, CSWMD
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Professional photo of Dr. Kathleen Ellis
Kathleen Ellis
Senior Policy Fellow, CSWMD
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Diane DiEuliis
Diane DiEuliis
Expert Consultant, CSWMD
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Chris Andrews
Policy Fellow, CSWMD
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Paul David-Justus
Assistant Research Fellow, CSWMD
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Ashley Bramucci
Assistant Research Fellow, CSWMD
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