Welcome to the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab.

The Berkeley Risk and Security Lab seeks to bring robust academic research at the intersection of technology and security into policy spaces worldwide, while providing a common resource for learning, exploration, and engagement to the UC Berkeley campus, broader academic community, and public and private sectors.

Research Webinar: Dr. Christopher Lawrence in conversation with BRSL's Dr. Cameron Tracy

The Balance of Nuclear Humility: Techno-optimism, Complexity, and the Perils of Nuclear Primacy

Overview: This research seminar will cover Dr. Lawrence’s recent research on the diverse ways in which states plan out their nuclear weapons arsenals. While some field large numbers of weapons, chasing nuclear dominance over adversaries, others are content with smaller arsenals, deemed sufficient to deter adversaries from attacking. This analysis builds on quantitative modeling of strategic nuclear strikes, showing correlations between the scale of a state’s nuclear arsenal and uncertainties in its strategic effects.

Date: Monday, June 9th, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM, Pacific Time

Location: GSPP-Hearst-Classroom-105 Cap:52

Speakers: Dr. Christopher Lawrence, Dr. Cameron Tracy

WHAT WE DO

Research and Analysis

BRSL’s research and analysis represent the core function of the Lab. Our research underpins the rest of our activities, informing the way we approach student services and policy engagement.

Student Services

BRSL supports classes, student research groups, and capstone projects. The Lab also works with several undergraduate research assistants, as well as graduate fellows, joining us from different departments across UC Berkeley.

Policy engagement

BRSL is continuously translating our research and analysis via engagement with stakeholders from across public and private sectors, as well as civil society. 

Coming Up at BRSL

We invite you to join us for our next event and to check out our latest updates.