RUSI, King's College London and the University of Leicester will examine and assess nuclear deterrence and its value in today's security landscape, generating evidence-based research and developing a community of practice to inform UK nuclear policy.
As a multi-year initiative, the UK Nuclear Deterrence Network aims to analyse and expand the landscape of ideas and advance thinking surrounding UK nuclear deterrence by engaging a range of perspectives and developing new approaches regarding the current and future role of deterrence for the UK and further afield.
RUSI's Director-General, Rachel Ellehuus, underlined that: 'The Nuclear Deterrence Network will fill a much-needed role in re-evaluating how nuclear deterrence can operate in a more complex global environment.'
Lukasz Kulesa, Director of RUSI's Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Research Group, said:
As the global salience of nuclear weapons increases, so does the need for effective policy responses. The Network will contribute to research and dialogue on effectiveness of deterrence and create new pathways for professional development for early and mid-career experts.
Lukasz Kulesa
Director, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Part of this effort includes the establishment of the Deterrence Futures Fellowship, an 18-month programme for early- and mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of relevant professional or academic experience who are keen to deepen their knowledge and engage with the evolving concepts and practice of deterrence and their role in UK and international security. Applications will open on 11 June 2025.
Ms Ellehuus continued: 'The focus on early- and mid-career development through the Deterrence Futures Fellowship will bring new perspectives to the study of nuclear deterrence and ensure that the UK develops a new generation of experts in this area.'
By generating fresh thinking about the impact great power strategic competition, the emerging multiple nuclear competitor landscape, and changing deterrence concepts and practices have on UK nuclear security policy, the Network will also establish a more modern and holistic approach to deterrence while advancing innovation and improvements in UK policymaking.
Dr Nicola Leveringhaus, Senior Lecturer in East Asian Security and International Relations in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, said:
The Network is an exciting opportunity here in the UK to build a wide-ranging and deeply informed community of practice.
Nicola Leveringhaus
Senior Lecturer in East Asian Security and International Relations, King’s College London
Prof Andrew Futter, Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester and a member of the Advisory Board for RUSI’s UK Project on Nuclear Issues, said:
We are absolutely delighted to be launching this important initiative at such a pivotal time for UK and European security.
Professor Andrew Futter
UK PONI Advisory Board Member
The Network is supported by the Nuclear Deterrence Fund (NDF), a Ministry of Defence pilot programme to stimulate wider UK expertise in nuclear deterrence issues and generate a research base supporting nuclear deterrence policymaking.
