Upcoming Events

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

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3/6/25 The Enduring Role of Los Alamos National Laboratory in National Security

Date: Thursday, March 6th Location: Banatao Auditorium, Sutardja Dai Hall, 2595 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley Time: 5:00-6:30 pm PT Speaker: Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason Recent geopolitical conditions have put Los Alamos National Laboratory’s national...
Closing Out the Spring Semester

Closing Out the Spring Semester

As we come to the end of the spring semester, we would like share our milestones over the past several months and thank you for your support during our first full semester as the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab. We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made on our...

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The Paradox of Hiroshima

Dr. Jane Darby Menton (BRSL Research Scholar) reflects on the symbolism of G-7 summit in Hiroshima, as well as the enduring legacy of the city at a time when Japan experiences changes in its security environment, force posture, and in public perception on defense...

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What Most People Get Wrong About the Iran Nuclear Deal

Dr. Jane Darby Menton (BRSL Research Scholar) marks the fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with commentary on the value of the JCPOA and what its rejection means for non-proliferation efforts going forward. 

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5/9/23 | After the JCPOA: Five Years After Failure

5/9/23 | After the JCPOA: Five Years After Failure

Tuesday, May 9 at 0900 PT // 1200 ET This event will be a retrospective, coinciding with the 5-year anniversary of Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA. The discussion will address the consequences of U.S. withdrawal, the current state of Iranian capabilities and...

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The Complexities of Nuclear Decision Making

The Complexities of Nuclear Decision Making

On May 8th, at 4:00 PM PT join BRSL for a discussion with Dr. Marion Messmer of Chatham House on the complexities of nuclear decision making. Dr. Messmer will draw from her expertise on nuclear weapons policy, multilateral arms control and disarmament, and NATO-Russia...

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