James Byrne
Research Fellow
James
Research Fellow
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RUSI’s Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme provides detailed analysis and research on contemporary nuclear weapons issues.
The research programme consists of two broad portfolios. The first, which deals with issues relating to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, focuses on: North Korean and Iranian nuclear diplomacy; countering proliferation finance and the sanctions regimes imposed to address proliferation threats; and the structure, operations, and evasion tactics of North Korean proliferation networks. The second, covering nuclear policy more broadly, involves research into: the UK’s nuclear weapons programme and its policies on arms control and deterrence; contemporary stresses on the non-proliferation regime, and UK policy towards it; and the effect of advanced conventional precision-strike capabilities on nuclear stability.
The team conducts a range of engagement activities alongside this research, foremost among which is the UK Project on Nuclear Issues (UK PONI), a cross-generational initiative that connects emerging nuclear scholars and professionals with established experts. Other important components include Track II dialogues, both discreet and public, in which capacity RUSI leads the UK component of the high-level, France/UK/US Trilateral Nuclear Dialogues. Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme experts also train government, military and industry representatives in the UK and overseas on nuclear policy and nuclear technologies, and on best practices for countering proliferation finance.
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Reflections from the Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee Meeting
Commentary, 16 May 2019
Cristina Varriale
Our Research Fellow in proliferation and nuclear policy has just returned from the latest meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in an optimistic mood.
Tags: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Global Security Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Guide to Conducting a National Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment
Other Publications, 13 May 2019
Anagha Joshi, Emil Dall and Darya Dolzikova
Countering the financial flows available to state and non-state proliferators plays an important role in wider efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Understanding proliferation financing risks improves jurisdictions' awareness of this illicit activity and strengthens their ability to respond. This guide offers information and guidance for conducting a proliferation...
Tags: Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, Counter-Proliferation Finance, AML/CTF, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
"It's unlikely the latest round of missile testing will prompt the U.S. or other countries to call on the security council to introduce more sanctions against North Korea, Plant said, because neither China and Russia would allow it.
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'Very standard:' Trump downplays North Korea missile tests
In The News, 12 May 2019 Tags: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Britain’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent: Flawed Arguments by Disarmament Doves and Deterrence Hawks
Commentary, 9 May 2019
Sam Dudin
There are flaws on both sides of the debate over the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
Tags: Equipment and Acquisitions, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Trident, UK, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, UK Defence, Europe
""I think Kim is messaging to the local population that despite everything that's been happening, or not happening, between him and Trump, that he still stands strong on the defence of the country, on the support of the military, the armed forces.
"
North Korea Makes Nuclear Talks Demand After 'Tactical Guided Weapon' Test
In The News, 18 April 2019 Tags: United States, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
US Presidential Hopefuls and Their Nuclear Weapons Policies
Commentary, 9 April 2019
Jamie Kwong
US Democratic Party candidates for the White House are beginning to tackle nuclear challenges in their election campaigns.
Tags: United States, US Defence Policy, Americas, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Defence Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear PolicyPages
Reflections from the Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee Meeting
Commentary, 16 May 2019Cristina Varriale
Our Research Fellow in proliferation and nuclear policy has just returned from the latest meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in an optimistic mood.
Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Global Security Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Britain’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent: Flawed Arguments by Disarmament Doves and Deterrence Hawks
Commentary, 9 May 2019Sam Dudin
There are flaws on both sides of the debate over the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
Equipment and Acquisitions, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Trident, UK, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, UK Defence, Europe
US Presidential Hopefuls and Their Nuclear Weapons Policies
Commentary, 9 April 2019Jamie Kwong
US Democratic Party candidates for the White House are beginning to tackle nuclear challenges in their election campaigns.
United States, US Defence Policy, Americas, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Defence Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Avoiding a Costly Deal with Moscow in Pyongyang
Commentary, 26 March 2019Darya Dolzikova
Russia is strengthening its links with North Korea in order to position itself as an indispensable interlocutor between Washington and Pyongyang. But the cost Russia could demand for regional cooperation may prove prohibitive for the US.
United States, North Korea, Russia, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Global Security Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Sizing Up Sanctions in the Second Trump–Kim Jong-un Summit
Commentary, 26 February 2019Emil Dall
Can the US offer enough financial incentives to North Korea in exchange for denuclearisation, without discrediting the current sanctions regime? A way around the dilemma may exist. As President Donald Trump meets his North Korean counterpart, the role of sanctions in the negotiations warrant further discussion.
North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Sanctions, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, PacificPages
Guide to Conducting a National Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment
Other Publications, 13 May 2019Anagha Joshi, Emil Dall and Darya Dolzikova
Countering the financial flows available to state and non-state proliferators plays an important role in wider efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Understanding...
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, Counter-Proliferation Finance, AML/CTF, Other Publications, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
A Long Road to Denuclearisation: Challenges to Security-Based Diplomacy with North Korea
Occasional Papers, 6 December 2018Cristina Varriale
This paper sets out the case for a gradual, step-by-step approach to remove North Korea's nuclear weapons.
Occasional Papers, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Pacific
European Views on Leadership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Recommendations for the UK
Conference Reports, 19 November 2018Cristina Varriale
On 18 October 2018, RUSI ran a workshop to discuss leadership in the context of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and how the UK could best contribute to its initiation or implementation.
United Nations, Conference Reports, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, UK, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, International Institutions
The 2018 UK PONI Papers
Conference Reports, 18 October 2018Edited by Cristina Varriale
The 2018 UK PONI Papers examine contemporary civil and military nuclear issues and are written by emerging experts from academia, government and industry who presented at the 2018 UK Project on...
China, United States, Defence, Industries and Society, UK Project on Nuclear Issues, Conference Reports, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Trident, UK, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Countering Proliferation Finance: Model Law Second Edition
Other Publications, 2 October 2018Anagha Joshi
This is the updated version of the model law from the previous guidance paper produced by RUSI on countering proliferation finance. It aims to assist governments seeking to strengthen their legal and...
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, Counter-Proliferation Finance, United Nations, Other Publications, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear PolicyPages
UK PONI Annual Conference 2019
Conference, 13 June 2019Now its ninth year, the UK PONI Annual Conference is the premier national forum for the nuclear policy community to consider salient issues in the field and promote the emergence of a new generation...
UK Project on Nuclear Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Rising Nuclear Risk, Disarmament and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Events, 16 May 2019Lord Howell, chair of the House of Lords International Relations Committee, will present the report of the Committees latest inquiry into nuclear disarmament and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
UK PONI Table Top Exercise
Events, 8 March 2019UK PONI will be running a nuclear disarmament simulation game for early- and mid-career nuclear experts.
UK Project on Nuclear Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
UK PONI Workshop: Introduction to Nuclear Weapons Policy
Events, 11 February 2019UK Project on Nuclear Issues will host a one-day introductory workshop covering the basics of nuclear weapons policy for early career professionals.
UK Project on Nuclear Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Have I Got Nukes for You: The UK PONI Christmas Quiz
Events, 4 December 2018Given the success of our previous UK PONI Christmas quizzes, we’re back for a third year!
UK Project on Nuclear Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear PolicyPages
The US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Under Threat
Multimedia, 21 October 2018After reports that the USA may with from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Professor Malcolm Chalmers, Deputy Director General of the Royal United Services Institute speaks to BBC news...
Tags: United States, Russia, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
The North Korean Nuclear Summit
Multimedia, 9 March 2018Tom Plant, Director, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme at RUSI on the proposed nuclear summit between North Korea and the US
Tags: United States, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Pacific
President Trump's Nuclear Button Tweet
Multimedia, 3 January 2018 Tags: United States, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Pacific
The Nuclear Ban Treaty in 2018
Multimedia, 21 December 2017Tom Plant, Director of RUSI's Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme discusses the prospects for the Nuclear Ban treaty in 2018
Tags: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Dealing with the Latest North Korea Missile Threat
Multimedia, 11 August 2017Following a war of words between US President Donald Trump and the Pyongyang regime, are we at risk of escalation? RUSI experts Tom Plant, Cristina Varriale and Emil Dall discuss.
Tags: United States, North Korea, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Global Security Issues, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
The Russian Ambassador who Overreached: Why Russia’s Approach to Belarus Could Change
The End of the Two-State Solution to the Israel–Palestine Conflict? Turkey and the Kushner Plan
Reflections from the Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee Meeting