Overview
The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
(CNS) strives to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by
training the next generation of nonproliferation specialists and disseminating
timely information and analysis. CNS at the
Monterey Institute of International Studies
is the largest nongovernmental organization in
the United States devoted exclusively to research and training on
nonproliferation issues.
Dr. William Potter
established the Center in 1989 with a handful of
Institute students. Today, CNS has a full-time staff of more than
40 specialists
and over 50 graduate student research
assistants located in offices in Monterey,
Washington, DC, and
Almaty, Kazakhstan.
CNS is organized into
five research programs:
the Chemical and Biological Weapons
Nonproliferation Program, the East Asia Nonproliferation Program, the
International Organization and Nonproliferation Program, the Newly Independent
States Nonproliferation Program, as well as the
Nonproliferation Education Program.
Each program supports the Center's mission by
training graduate students,
building a worldwide community of
nonproliferation experts, publishing both
on-line and print resources
on all aspects of WMD, providing background
material to the media, and creating seminars and
on-line tutorials
to be used by high school and college
instructors and the general public. Three times a year, CNS publishes the
peer-reviewed journal
The Nonproliferation Review,
whose international roster of authors discuss a
wide range of issues related to the consequences and control of WMD. CNS has
also produced an
Occasional Paper
series, as well as other
publications,
and maintains comprehensive
databases on WMD
developments and nonproliferation regimes. Many
members of the Center's staff serve as expert advisers to policymakers on
nonproliferation issues, and CNS seminars featuring decisionmakers and analysts
in the field provide a rich learning experience for students and staff alike. In
conjunction with the Masters in International Policy Studies Program of the
Monterey Institute, CNS offers a
Certificate in Nonproliferation Studies and
internship opportunities
in international organizations that
expand the career possibilities and interests of Institute
students.
CNS has established an
International Advisory Board
that meets twice a year to review CNS programs
and activities. Its distinguished members include U.S. and Russian legislators,
former ambassadors, renowned nonproliferation experts, and corporate executives.
In addition to the Board, the Center has convened the
Monterey Nonproliferation Strategy Group,
an international panel of experts who
meet periodically to develop policy recommendations.