Frank Rose: Reimagining Arms Control for the 21st Century

Former senior national security official Frank Rose joins the conversation to examine the future of arms control, nuclear policy, and strategic stability in an increasingly complex global environment.

Drawing on his extensive experience in arms control, missile defense, and nuclear security, Rose offers a candid assessment of how arms control must adapt to a world shaped by great‑power competition, emerging technologies, and evolving threats from China and other strategic competitors. He explores arms control not as an end in itself, but as a practical tool for managing risk to the United States and its allies.

The discussion also takes a hard look at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)—its structure, mission, and strategic role—and considers whether organizational reform may be necessary to meet future nuclear security challenges. Rose addresses the technological pressures reshaping deterrence, the realities of stockpile stewardship, and why sustaining credibility may require difficult choices in the years ahead.

Frank A. Rose is President of Chevalier Strategic Advisors, a strategic advisory firm focused on the intersection of geopolitics, national security, and defense technology. He advises companies, investors, and institutions on strategic risk, government engagement, and emerging defense and dual-use technologies.

Previously, Rose served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (2021–2024), where he helped oversee the U.S. nuclear security enterprise. He also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy (2009–2017), leading U.S. policy on nuclear deterrence, arms control, missile defense, space security, and allied defense cooperation. Earlier in his career, he was a Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee and a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Rose is a frequent commentator and author on national security and strategic technology issues, with appearances across major media outlets and policy forums.

He holds a B.A. in History from American University and an M.A. from King’s College London.

Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q

Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast

Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/

Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278

Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]