Building a more secure world.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and international security issues.

Building a more secure world.

Explore UNIDIR’s Middle East WMD-Free Zone Compass

UNIDIR’s 45th anniversary in 2025

Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2025

UNIDIR’s work focuses on:

Nuclear weapons

Gender and global security

Conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Artificial intelligence

Chemical and biological weapons

Space security

Missiles and drones

Cyber security

Science and technology

Conventional weapons

Disarmament fora

Interconnected global risks

UNIDIR’s programmes and projects

Latest publications

AI in the Military Domain: A briefing note for States

The Interpretation and Application of International Humanitarian Law in Relation to Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

The Arms Trade Treaty: Regulating Brokering to Reduce the Risk of Diversion

Changing Tides in Maritime Warfare: Closing the Reporting Gap on Uncrewed Maritime Systems in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Regional Security, Threat Perceptions and the Middle East WMD-Free Zone

Universalization and Effective Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty in Africa Lessons learned from the 2024 Monrovia Workshop

No Man’s Land? Focusing on Men to Reduce Global Armed Violence

Nuclear Risks: Perceptions and Pathways

2024 Outer Space Security Conference Report

Upcoming and recent events

L’Intelligence Artificielle : Un état des lieux des risques et des opportunités pour la Paix et la sécurité internationales

The Biological Weapons Convention at 50: Taking stock and looking ahead

Regional briefings on armed conflict and sexual violence: Trends, analysis and ideas for action

Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2025

Imagining peace in a digital world

Space industry workshop: Industry perspectives on addressing space security challenges

The application of international humanitarian law in relation to lethal autonomous weapons systems

Differentiated impacts of nuclear weapons: From research to policy and practice

Under the radar: Corruption’s role in fuelling arms diversion

News

A landmark forum for AI governance in security and defence

Highlights

UNIDIR empowers emerging leaders in biological disarmament and biosecurity

Women and girls’ struggle to (re)integrate after Boko Haram

Strengthening community responses to sexual violence in Northern Cauca

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