About us

The world is in an era of conventional and nuclear instability. Key arms control agreements are under severe strain or have already eroded. At the same time, nuclear weapon states are reviewing their nuclear postures and are increasingly modernizing and expanding their nuclear forces. New technologies are undermining traditional foundations of stability while states adapt their rethoric aiming to maximize the deterrent value of their nuclear forces. Despite this there continue to be many arguments for limiting nuclear weapons - not at least to limit cost and to control the existential threat inherent in nuclear deterrence.

The Deep Cuts Project analyses how arms control can function under the difficult conditions of conflict and mistrust. It seeks to contribute to stabilizing current affairs through creative and problem-oriented policy recommendations. Its approach builds on the ability to maintain dialogue on stability and nuclear weapons even in difficult times.

The Deep Cuts Project, founded in 2013, convenes two expert commissions: the Deep Cuts and the Young Deep Cuts Commission. Both commissions are composed of German, Russian and US arms control experts and former practitioners. Commissioners seek to inform and advise decision-makers and the interested public through regular publications and briefings.

The Project, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, is coordinated by the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg with the help of the Arms Control Association in Washington, D.C.