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ELN publications feature authoritative research, high-quality analysis, diverse viewpoints and practical recommendations to address current foreign, defence, and security policy challenges.

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96 items
Page 6 of 11
Commentary

From nuclear stability to AI safety: Why nuclear policy experts must help shape AI’s future

Artificial intelligence, much like nuclear technologies, has the capacity to transform our world for the better, offering breakthroughs in several fields whilst simultaneously posing catastrophic risks. Nuclear policy experts, skilled in managing existential threats, are well-suited to guide AI governance. ELN Network and Communications Manager Andrew Jones argues that urgent, coordinated international action and further collaboration between experts in the nuclear and AI fields is needed before AI outpaces our ability to control it.

25 April 2025 | Andrew Jones
Policy brief

Technological complexity and risk reduction: Using digital twins to navigate uncertainty in nuclear weapons decision-making and EDT landscapes

This policy brief explores the integration of digital twin technologies into nuclear decision-making processes, assessing their potential to reduce risks stemming from emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs). It argues for international dialogue, transparency, and responsible innovation to prevent misuse, enhance NC3 resilience, and strengthen strategic stability through informed, scenario-based crisis simulations.

Policy brief

Turning down the heat: Addressing the growing salience of nuclear weapons

At the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee in New York this month a key issue likely to spark debate is the increasing salience of nuclear weapons. All five nuclear-weapon states under the NPT are increasing the role and significance of nuclear weapons in their military and security policies, at odds with the commitments accepted under the NPT. This new policy brief from the ELN’s Protecting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty project examines this challenge and offers recommendations for states to address it within the NPT framework.

16 April 2025
Commentary

A fragile opening: Iran, the US, and the high-stakes return to diplomacy

Talks between Tehran and Washington are set to take place on Saturday in Oman. Hamidreza Azizi writes that much of Iran’s political spectrum is cautiously optimistic about negotiations, reflecting a recognition of Iran’s military and economic constraints, and a desire to avoid war while securing relief from crippling sanctions. This pragmatic approach may signal a rare opportunity to pursue a deal that addresses concerns over Iran’s nuclear program while averting another regional conflict, but the potential for miscalculation remains high.

11 April 2025 | Dr Hamidreza Azizi
Report

Protecting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in turbulent times: Commentary collection volume III

This commentary collection compiles nine articles by ELN network members and external collaborators as part of the ELN’s Protecting the Non-Proliferation Treaty project. The collection was originally published for the 2025 NPT Preparatory Committee.

Report

Meeting report: Iran, Europe and the US – new approaches to nuclear diplomacy

In January 2025, the ELN with support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF), convened a roundtable to discuss ways forward for a resumption of Iran-US nuclear negotiations. European, American, Asian, and Middle East experts discussed the role of Gulf actors in developing a new deal, Iran’s shift in priorities under President Pezeshkian, and the implications of the changes in the regional architecture as a result of the war in Gaza.

21 March 2025 | Roxane Farmanfarmaian
Policy brief

Focused Multilateralism: How China and Germany can better engage on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation

Engaging China on multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation has become more urgent, but also more difficult. Even in times of increased competition between China, Russia, and the US, Europeans have agency and will need to up their level of ambition in pursuing their own interests in making multilateral instruments more resilient. ELN Policy & Research Director Oliver Meier and Michael Staack call for focused, substantive, and flexible dialogues between Europeans and Chinese.

18 March 2025 | Oliver Meier and Michael Staack
Report

How to save the world: Influencing policy on the biggest risks to humanity

A new report published from the European Leadership Network’s New European Voices on Existential Risk (NEVER) project calls for a systemic international approach to be taken to address man-made existential risk. The risks from nuclear weapons, climate change, biological threats, and AI are interconnected and cross-cutting lessons should be drawn.

Commentary

Reversing the slide to nuclear war — explained

On the eve of the 2025 Munich Security Conference, the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group (EASLG) issued a statement on steps to reverse the slide to nuclear war signed by sixty-four former officials, military leaders, and experts. Steve Andreasen and Chair of the ELN Lord Des Browne explain why the statement matters.

26 February 2025 | Steve Andreasen and Des Browne