Research Analyst Samuel Hickey and former intern Jessica Budlong wrote an op-ed in Responsible Statecraft about how the little-known Arms Trade Treaty has influenced the U.S.-China diplomatic chess board. Almost four years into its term, the Trump administration continues to abandon international security agreements at a dizzying clip. These actions are providing China with the […]
Nuclear testing: Just say no
By Abby Pokraka Adding to the list of things that make it feel like the world is falling apart, according to reports, the Trump Administration recently discussed conducting an underground nuclear test for the first time since 1992. Policy experts, grassroots organizations and citizens from across the country were quick to condemn this action. Apparently, even the National Nuclear Security Administration thought it was […]
Assessing the 2020 Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Compliance Report
By James Loftis, Policy Intern The Trump Administration just released its “Executive Summary of Findings on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments,” also known as the Compliance Report. As directed by Congress, the Department of State is required to provide an annual report on “the status of United States policy and […]
Rampant mistrust in wake of pandemic underscores need for accountability
By James Loftis, Policy Intern Shortly after news first broke on the outbreak of a novel coronavirus within the city of Wuhan in central China, conspiracy theories focused on the origin of the virus began popping up on social media feeds in the United States. The conspiracy theories and accusations that followed underscore the need for […]
Fact Sheet: China’s Nuclear Inventory
Updated June 2025 The People’s Republic of China (PRC) began its nuclear weapons program in the 1950s with significant help from the Soviet Union, which contributed advisors and technical equipment. When Sino-Soviet relations cooled at the end of that decade, China moved forward on its own and successfully tested its first nuclear weapon in October […]
