Jana Baldus

Dr. Jana Baldus is an Associate Fellow at the Research Department International Security at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), focusing on nuclear disarmament and arms control, processes of dealing with nuclear legacies and issues of nuclear (in)justice, and the nexus between new technologies and nuclear weapons. She completed her PhD in Political Science at Goethe University Frankfurt in 2024 with a dissertation examining normative conflicts in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the emergence of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Her educational background includes:

• Dr phil (Political Science) at Goethe University Frankfurt/M. (2024)
• Master of Arts in International Studies/Peace and Conflict Research at University of Frankfurt/M. (2015-2018)
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences and Economics at University of Münster (2011-2015)
• Study abroad at King's College London (Department of War Studies) (2013)
• Study abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2017)

Dr. Baldus's research centers on critical issues in nuclear governance, particularly examining how normative conflicts within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework have led to the emergence of alternative approaches like the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Her work investigates processes of radicalization and polarization in nuclear discourse, nuclear (in)justice frameworks addressing victims of nuclear weapons, and the implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence for nuclear decision-making and verification. She approaches these topics through interdisciplinary lenses combining international relations theory, critical security studies, and norm dynamics analysis.

Analysis of Dr. Baldus's recent publications reveals consistent focus on nuclear disarmament governance, with particular attention to the evolving nuclear order and justice dimensions often overlooked in traditional arms control frameworks. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with policy relevance, frequently addressing how multilateral institutions can better incorporate humanitarian perspectives and victim-centered approaches. A notable trend is her growing examination of the intersection between emerging technologies and nuclear weapons systems, highlighting new risks and verification challenges.

Dr. Baldus has received professional recognition through:

• Membership in the Global Nuclear Order Working Group of the British International Studies Association (BISA) since 2024
• Membership in the Working Group "Arms Dynamics and Disarmament" of the German Association for Peace and Conflict Studies
• Representation in the Leibniz PhD Network (2021-2022)
• Co-speaker role for PRIF's PhD colloquium (2019-2021)

As a policy-engaged scholar, Dr. Baldus has provided expert advice to governmental bodies including serving as an expert in the German delegation to the 10th NPT Review Conference in 2022 and participating in a side event at the Preparatory Committee for the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2024 on "AI and Nuclear Decision-Making." She completed an observation period at the German Federal Foreign Office in 2020, demonstrating her commitment to bridging academic research and practical policy development. Her current research projects include "Transitional Justice in the Nuclear Age" and "Perspectives of Arms Control."

Dr. Baldus is actively involved with PRIF's research groups focusing on Biological and Chemical Disarmament and Security, Emerging Disruptive Technologies, and Science for Nuclear Diplomacy. She contributes to PRIF's role within the Leibniz Association and its various research networks including the EU NPD Consortium and CBWNet. Her work connects with broader initiatives examining the intersection of technology, security, and disarmament governance.