The threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) remains one of the nation’s most pervasive national security challenges.  As nation states and terrorist organizations seek ways to challenge America’s global role, they will increasingly pursue unconventional and asymmetric means to threaten U.S. interests. The potential for nuclear, chemical, biological, or radiological weapons to create unmatched devastation and effects marks WMD as an existential danger to our nation.  It is vitally important that we maintain a vibrant community of education and scholarship that understands the destructive nature of these weapons and the tools available to counter them.

The Center for the Study of WMD (CSWMD) is the world’s premier institution for education, research and outreach regarding the national security challenges presented by these weapons.   Our experts have a wealth of related policy, operational, and technical expertise gained at the highest levels of government to include the White House (National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Office of the Vice President), the Defense Department (the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the military services), the Department of State, and the Department of Health and Human Services.  We have also worked in industry, academia and related non-governmental organizations.  Our Center serves as a vital hub in the network of Department of Defense and interagency organizations dedicated to reducing and eventually eliminating the dangers posed by the existence of WMD.

I welcome you to our web portal.  I invite you to browse our publications, attend our events, and confer with our experts.  Finally, I look forward to your comments on how we can improve our site and the content that we provide to you.

Charles D. Lutes

Director
Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction
Institute for National Strategic Studies
National Defense University