Tim Thies

Tim Thies is a researcher at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) at the University of Hamburg and a PhD candidate at Radboud University in the Netherlands. He serves as a member of the trilateral Young Deep Cuts Commission, focusing on arms control and emerging technologies within Euro-Atlantic security frameworks.

His academic qualifications include:

• BA in International Relations from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
• MA in Peace and Security Studies from the University of Hamburg

Thies' research examines how interpretations of technology shape arms control negotiations, military innovation, and alliance management. His doctoral work analyzes symbolic disagreements about nuclear weapons across multilateral, NATO, and national decision-making levels. He also investigates historical arms control dynamics in Europe, particularly regarding emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons and their implications for verification regimes.

His 2022-2024 publications reveal consistent emphasis on contemporary arms control challenges, including European re-nuclearization debates, missile proliferation risks, and historical lessons for current deterrence policies. These works span academic journals, policy briefs, and research reports, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement with technical military capabilities and political decision-making processes.

Thies leads the Arms Control and Emerging Technologies project at IFSH, having previously contributed to the Working Group on Arms Control and Emerging Technologies (until 2024) under the 'Rethinking Nuclear Deterrence' research network. His career includes internships at the Peace Research Center Prague and fellowships at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, reflecting deep integration within transatlantic nonproliferation communities.