Ian Stewart

About Ian Stewart

Researcher and advisor with 20+ years of experience working across government, academia, and international organizations on issues at the intersection of technology, security, and policy. Recognized expert in export controls, sanctions, and dual-use compliance. Extensive track record supporting governments and companies in navigating strategic trade challenges. Deep research background, including archival work and policy analysis, with a current focus on advanced technologies and nonproliferation governance.My research spans the evolving role of export controls in an era of strategic competition, the implications of artificial intelligence for strategic stability and WMD proliferation, and the intersection of AI and intelligence analysis. I develop and prototype AI-enabled platforms for structured open-source data collection and analysis to support nonproliferation objectives. My earlier work also includes extensive archival research on the UK’s nuclear deterrence posture and the historical evolution of the nonproliferation regime. This research supports both real-world implementation of controls and the development of forward-looking policy frameworks.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   James Martin Center For Nonproliferation Studies

   Mar 2020 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   As Executive Director of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in Washington, I lead the Center’s policy engagement, research agenda, and capacity-building activities focused on countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction and controlling sensitive technologies. I oversee a team working at the intersection of nonproliferation, strategic trade controls, and emerging technology governance—helping to shape practical policy tools and global best practices.My current portfolio centers on export controls, sanctions, and emerging technology control, including AI, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing risks. A key part of my work involves identifying international governance gaps and developing new tools—often data-driven—to address them. This includes applying machine learning techniques to challenges like sanctions evasion detection, supply chain mapping, and dual-use risk assessment.I regularly brief policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations, and I lead efforts to train and support government officials and practitioners worldwide. My research contributes to the broader debate on strategic competition with China and Russia, the role of export controls in national security policy, and the future of nonproliferation governance. I also contribute to institutional publications and direct major research projects on dual-use technology and sanctions evasion networks, including in the North Korea context.

Education

• King's College London

  PhD, War Studies

  2011 — 2018

• University of Manchester

  MSc, Nuclear Science and Technology

  2008 — 2010

• Newcastle University

  MEng, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

  2003 — 2007