An unarmed Trident II D5 missile is test launched from the U.S.S. Nebraska, an Ohio-class U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine, off the coast of California in March 2018. (Ronald Gutridge/Reuters)
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Fears of a U.S.-China-Russia nuclear arms race and risks of global nuclear proliferation and escalation are rising. In a new report, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s James M. Acton proposes a bold new path for U.S. nuclear policy. Acton argues that Washington should pursue an “optimal deterrence” strategy by adjusting its nuclear targeting policies, refraining from building up its nuclear arsenal, focusing on conventional deterrence, and dissuading potential proliferators. Read the report
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President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 21, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Pool/Reuters)
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On June 12, Israel escalated its conflict with Iran by attacking its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and killing multiple Iranian officials and nuclear experts. The move kicked off a days-long exchange of fire between the two longtime enemies, and on June 21, the United States directly entered the conflict, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities in a massive surprise bombing campaign. Iran’s initial response included a thwarted barrage of missiles aimed at a U.S. base in Qatar.
Follow developments in the confrontation with Iran with the Center for Preventive Action’s “Global Conflict Tracker.” |
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The latest issue features pieces from Stacie E. Goddard, A. Wess Mitchell, Alexander Gabuev, and Rana Mitter examining the strongmen leaders of today. It also delves into U.S. military might with analysis from Lawrence D. Freedman, Andrew S. Lim and James D. Fearon, and Michael Brown. |
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About The Center for Preventive Action |
The Center for Preventive Action (CPA) aims to help policymakers devise timely and practical strategies to prevent and mitigate armed conflict around the world, especially in places where U.S. interests are most at risk. Geopolitical friction among the major powers is intensifying, creating serious risks of armed conflict, while the effects of climate change and other threats to international peace and security are evolving in new and destabilizing ways. CPA’s work is focused on trying to anticipate how and where those challenges could arise, and which are more deserving of attention than others, so that policymakers can prioritize and craft sensible preventive measures.
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