Nonproliferation Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

The Global Consequences of a Nuclear Detonation in Low Earth Orbit

The growing concern in Washington over potential Russian plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space reflects a deeper transformation in the nature of strategic competition. Statements by Stephen Whiting indicate that such a…

April 17, 2026Russia, space domain, USA

National Security Nonproliferation

Russia’s Nuclear Shield for Iran: How Rosatom Is Undermining U.S. Pressure on Tehran

Russia is embedding itself deeply in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.Through its state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Moscow is consolidating a long-term presence at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, including personnel deployment, reactor construction, fuel…

March 13, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

- Geopolitics Nonproliferation

Strategic Asymmetry Before New START Expiry: How Russia Is Weaponizing Transparency Collapse in the Nuclear Domain

Russia’s actions are generating a critical situation of strategic asymmetry in the nuclear domain on the eve of the expiration of the New START Treaty, scheduled for 5 February 2026. Since 2023, Moscow’s suspension…

January 9, 2026nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

Geoeconomics Geopolitics Nonproliferation

Putin’s Visit to India: Strategy, Objectives, and Geopolitical Implications Context & Timing

In December 2025, Putin made his first visit to India since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine. The visit occurs amid intense Western (especially U.S.) pressure on India over…

December 5, 2025China, India, Russia, USA

National Security Nonproliferation Warfare

Russian vs. U.S. Statements on Nuclear Testing: Motives, Legal Fallout, Third-Party Positions, and Escalation Risks

Divergence in posture: Washington has kept to a zero-yield moratorium since 1992 while expanding subcritical(non-explosive) experiments to steward the stockpile; Moscow de-ratified the CTBT in 2023 and, after new U.S. political signals this week, has ordered proposals on…

November 6, 2025China, nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

National Security Nonproliferation

Undoing the Agreement: How Iran and Russia Are Redefining the Nuclear Order

On October 20, 2025, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia declared its readiness to expand cooperation with Iran in all areas, emphasizing that Iran is already a strategic partner.…

October 21, 2025Iran, nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

Geopolitics Intelligence ops National Security Nonproliferation

Criminal Networks as Instruments of Hybrid Warfare in Europe

Hybrid warfare refers to the blended use of military and non-military tactics by state or non-state actors to destabilize a target state below the threshold of open war. In Europe,…

October 2, 2025chemical weapon, gangs, GRU, Russia

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

Russia–North Korea Pact Adds a Dangerous Front for Washington

The foreign ministers of the United States, Japan and South Korea warned of the grave security risks posed by Russia’s deepening military cooperation with North Korea. Moscow’s backing for Pyongyang’s…

September 24, 2025DPRK, Russia, USA

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

The standoff over the New START arms-control treaty underscores a serious threat to the United States from Russia.

With treaty visibility gone, allies relying on the U.S. nuclear guarantee face more uncertainty, while the United States must budget for hedge capabilities and monitoring alternatives (national technical means, open-source,…

September 22, 2025nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

Energy Geoeconomics Intelligence ops National Security Nonproliferation

From Delays to Dependence: Understanding the Challenges of Russian NPPs

While Russian nuclear power projects offer benefits such as financing and rapid deployment, they come with significant risks that must be carefully evaluated. Countries engaging with Russian nuclear energy providers…

January 22, 2025nuclear weapons, Rosatom, Russia

Nonproliferation