Darya Dolzikova is a Research Fellow in Proliferation and Nuclear Policy with the Royal United Services Institute – a defence and security think tank based in London, UK. Her work focuses on understanding and countering the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, with a particular focus on the Iranian nuclear program and related diplomacy, the financing of weapons of mass destruction proliferation, and sanctions evasion by nuclear weapons proliferators. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and Prospect Magazine.
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While Viktor Bout—the notorious Russian arms dealer that the U.S. is offering up in a prisoner swap—is likely a spent force, the illicit arms trade remains a threat. The story of Bout’s network, and his eventual capture, highlights the challenges in tackling this deadly trade.
Despite the optics of a recent resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Europe continues to oppose the U.S. policy line on Iran.
The reapplication of U.S. secondary sanctions measures following the American withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal has been at the heart of current challenges facing the nuclear deal.
Editor’s Note: President Trump came into office seemingly determined to improve U.S.-Russia relations, with fighting the Islamic State high on the mutual agenda. Standing in the way of better cooperation, however, is Iran: a top foe in Trump's eyes, and an ally in Putin's. Darya Dolzikova of Georgetown University argues that the Trump administration can wean Russia away from Iran—but it must do so carefully, and a full break is not likely.
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