The core concerns around which the IISS was founded in 1958, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament remain pressing security issues more than 20 years after the end of the Cold War. The major powers retain significant nuclear arsenals, while proliferation fears continue to surround countries such as North Korea and Iran. Chemical and biological weapons, ballistic missiles and radiological terrorism are other threats. With the IISS's long history in nuclear deterrence and arms control, this programme led by Mark Fitzpatrick remains a leader in the field.
