The Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) strives to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by training the next generation of nonproliferation specialists and disseminating timely information and analysis. CNS at the Monterey Institute of International Studies is the largest nongovernmental organization in the United States devoted exclusively to research and training on nonproliferation issues.

Dr. William Potter established the Center in 1989 with a handful of Institute students. Today, CNS has a full-time staff of more than 40 specialists and over 50 graduate student research assistants located in offices in Monterey, Washington, DC, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. CNS is organized into five research programs: the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program, the East Asia Nonproliferation Program, the International Organization and Nonproliferation Program, the Newly Independent States Nonproliferation Program, and the WMD Terrorism Research Program. Each program supports the Center's mission by training graduate students, building a worldwide community of nonproliferation experts, publishing both on-line and print resources on all aspects of WMD, providing background material to the media, and creating seminars and on-line tutorials to be used by high school and college instructors and the general public. Three times a year, CNS publishes the peer-reviewed journal The Nonproliferation Review, whose international roster of authors discuss a wide range of issues related to the consequences and control of WMD. CNS also produces an Occasional Paper series, as well as other publications, and maintains comprehensive databases on WMD developments and nonproliferation regimes. Many members of the Center's staff serve as expert advisers to policymakers on nonproliferation issues, and CNS seminars featuring decisionmakers and analysts in the field provide a rich learning experience for students and staff alike. In conjunction with the Masters in International Policy Studies Program of the Monterey Institute, CNS offers a Certificate in Nonproliferation Studies and internship opportunities in international organizations that expand the career possibilities and interests of Institute students.

CNS has established an International Advisory Board that meets twice a year to review CNS programs and activities. Its distinguished members include U.S. and Russian legislators, former ambassadors, renowned nonproliferation experts, and corporate executives. In addition to the Board, the Center has convened the Monterey Nonproliferation Strategy Group, an international panel of experts who meet periodically to develop policy recommendations.