PUBLICATIONS

Through its publications, INSS aims to provide expert insights, cutting-edge research, and innovative solutions that contribute to shaping the national security discourse and preparing the next generation of leaders in the field.

 

Publications

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Category: WMD Threats

Research and developement concept background of scientist or reseacher using microscope in biotechnology laboratory overlay with DNA strand and molecules symbol, concept of DNA engineering.

March 31, 2026

Defining the Palette of Biodeterrence: Appreciating a Broader Toolkit

As noted in the recently released Biodeterrence Framework, biological weapons present a uniquely complex challenge to traditional models of deterrence, in that their development can be concealed within ostensibly legitimate scientific enterprise, their effects may be delayed or ambiguous, and their attribution can often be difficult, particularly given the increasingly broadened scope of biothreat possibilities.

INSS Center for Strategic Deterrence and WMD Studies employees stand in front of the Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence: Report Rollout event at National Defense University.

March 19, 2026

A Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence Rollout Event

On 12 March, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the National Defense University (NDU) co-hosted the Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence: Report Rollout event.

Cover of a report titled “A Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence.” The design features blue circular graphics with the word “UNCLASSIFIED” at the top and bottom. The subtitle reads: Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University, August 2025. Two photos appear on the cover: one shows emergency responders wearing bright yellow hazmat suits standing near a fire truck; the other shows a U.S. Army soldier in uniform examining a sample through a laboratory microscope. A disclaimer notes that the views expressed are those of the authors and not official U.S. government policy. Logos for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, National Defense University, and the Institute for National Strategic Studies appear at the bottom.

March 16, 2026

A Framework for Biological Weapons Deterrence

The United States and its allies and partners face a rapidly expanding array of biothreats, to include the potential employment of increasingly sophisticated and lethal biological weapons (BW).

Glowing blue biohazard symbol over a dark digital background with binary code and circuit patterns, representing cyber-biological threats.

Feb. 23, 2026

How AI Can Help Enforce the Biological Weapons Convention

President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to the United Nations General Assembly regarding the use of artificial intelligence systems to support oversight and enforcement of the Biological Weapons Convention represents a significant milestone in focusing emergent technological approaches to international biosecurity.

National Institute for Public Policy report image of the world, focusing on South America and Africa

Dec. 11, 2025

The Challenge of a Rising, Nuclear-Armed China

This National Institute for Public Policy article examines several specific developments in China’s nuclear arsenal, which, coupled with Beijing’s aggressive foreign policy, hold sobering implications for U.S. national security interests.

image of the Earth with text super imposed on it, Implications of a PRC Shift to a Launch-on-Warning Nuclear Posture

Nov. 21, 2025

Implications of a PRC Shift to a Launch-on-Warning Nuclear Posture

This Defense Threat Reduction Agency study assesses the prospects and implications of China’s adoption of a launch-on-warning (LOW) posture for U.S. national security objectives. It evaluates China’s ability to adopt a LOW posture, identifies the key design decisions, examines what a Chinese LOW posture might look like, and assesses the implications and identifies potential mitigation measures.

Image of a micro-UAV shown on China Central Television

July 30, 2025

Insect-Sized Microdrones: A Tiny Vector for Big Biothreats

Recent demonstrations by China’s National University of Defense Technology, aired on state broadcast CCTV-7, revealed mosquito-sized robotic micro-unmanned aerial vehicles that are approximately two centimeters long and weigh 0.3 grams.

Dictyostelium amoebae on a glass surface, immunoprobed with antiactin (green) and antibody against fucose-O-serine-containing peptides (red) and counterstained with DAPI (blue) for nuclei. (Copyright © 2025 Tiwari et al.

June 5, 2025

Dual use and gain-of-function research: a significant endeavor with biosecurity imperatives

Drs. Diane DiEuliis and James Giordano published a new paper entitled “Dual use and gain-of-function research: a significant endeavor with biosecurity imperatives,” in the international, peer-reviewed journal mSphere.

INSS Senior Policy Fellow Sarah Gamberini stands in front of NATO Headquarters in April 2025.

May 1, 2025

Briefing on Nuclear Narrative Considerations for NATO to Nuclear Policy Group: Brussels

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.

A drone, lightning bolt, an image of skull and cross bones, a radioactive warning circle sign, and a biohazard sign are all juxtaposed among one another.

Feb. 19, 2025

Drones and Biotechnological Weaponry: Emerging Risks, Strategic Threats, and Viable Readiness

The United States National Drone Association (USNDA) recently announced its sponsorship of the inaugural, international U.S. Military Drone Crucible Drone Championship to provide a venue for exercising U.S. and allied military drone training, advanced piloting, operational utility, and counter-measures’ capability.