The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska, a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), has been awarded a contract from U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) for exploration of horizontal and vertical nuclear proliferation.
NSRI will investigate how both vertical nuclear proliferation, meaning an increase in the capabilities of existing nuclear powers – and horizontal nuclear proliferation, meaning an increase in the number of states that possess nuclear weapons – might affect the global political environment and international relations over the next 15 years.
NSRI Executive Director Bob Hinson, Lt Gen, USAF (ret) explains that "horizontal nuclear proliferation is a concern for states who already have declared nuclear capability. States that do not possess nuclear capabilities are generally concerned about vertical nuclear proliferation. This new research award will springboard the NSRI in building the body of knowledge USSTRATCOM will need to better understand nuclear threats around the world and the means to respond to those threats."
Directing the research will be Dr. Rupal Mehta, assistant professor of political science and Dr. Tyler White, assistant professor of practice, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Mehta states that "our research team is well positioned to identify patterns in historical strategic and regional proliferation. Using these patterns, we hope to be able to illuminate future proliferation drivers and discuss the implications of these findings for US national and international security and foreign policy."
Dr. White added that "using the historical and potential patterns identified, we’ll be positioned to suggest options to counter potential proliferation for the future. From our research, we can propose options for a range of regions and scenarios, including proliferation in a tense environment."
The National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska is dedicated to delivering solutions for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) to USSTRATCOM.
About NSRI
Founded in 2012, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is the only University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) in the country dedicated to delivering solutions for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) to U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and across other federal agencies. NSRI provides research and development for the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other governmental agencies in multiple mission-critical competency areas — including development of medical countermeasures to WMD; nuclear detection and forensics; consequence management; chemical and biological weapons detection; and space, cyber, and telecom law. Learn more at nsri.nebraska.edu.