In the summer of 2025, the Federation of American Scientists will host a first-of-its-kind bootcamp to communicate and pass on its practices to the next generation of open-source nuclear analysts. This bootcamp, generously funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aims to help lower the barriers to entry into this field, democratize open-source research practices, and foster a collegial community of experts among successive cohorts. Learn more about this opportunity and apply here.
Our Global Risk team focuses on addressing and preventing the events and threats that could permanently cripple or destroy humanity. Among them: nuclear war, the next global pandemic, biological attack, and even a collision with a massive near-earth object. Humanity must proactively develop and pursue sound policies to protect against these dangers, including through global cooperation.
Successful NC3 modernization must do more than update hardware and software: it must integrate emerging technologies in ways that enhance resilience, ensure meaningful human control, and preserve strategic stability.
The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) paints a picture of a Congress that is working to both protect and accelerate nuclear modernization programs while simultaneously lacking trust in the Pentagon and the Department of Energy to execute them.
While advanced Chinese language proficiency and cultural familiarity remain irreplaceable skills, they are neither necessary nor sufficient for successful open-source analysis on China’s nuclear forces.
Satellite imagery has long served as a tool for observing on-the-ground activity worldwide, and offers especially valuable insights into the operation, development, and physical features related to nuclear technology.
