The deterioration of arms control negotiation expertise in the Euro-Atlantic sphere is a burgeoning threat to international security. Six institutions from the U.S., Russia, as well as Europe – including PRIF – have therefore joined forces to call on the next generation of arms control negotiators to address the security challenges of our time. The 12-month, high-level professional Arms Control Neogotiation Academy (ACONA) program was designed for this very purpose.
The current Fellowship Term is July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. The Fellowship covers the cost of travel and accommodation at the three 5-day intensive workshops. The first workshop will be held virtually due to COVID-19. Dates and locations of workshops:
Boot Camp 1: August 16–20, 2021, Virtual
Boot Camp 2: January 10–14, 2022, Host TBD
Boot Camp 3: May 9–13, 2022, Reykjavík, Iceland
The curriculum includes analyzing historical case studies, deepening technical know-how, and teaching advanced negotiation skills in the field of arms control. A collaborative research project is also being developed during this time. Experienced scholars and practitioners will accompany the ACONA-Fellows. Past ACONA speakers have included Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States Anatoly Antonov and former EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, as well as ACONA International Advisory Board members Alexei Arbatov, Rose Gottemoeller, Pavel Palazhchenko, and William Potter. Participants earn a certificate in arms control negotiation and become part of ACONA's network of next-generation arms control negotiators.
The Arms Control Negotiation Academy welcomes applications from highly qualified candidates who can demonstrate 3-5 years of substantial professional or research experience in one of these fields: arms control and nuclear issues, negotiation and mediation, international peace, security, and global affairs, particularly U.S.-Russia-China-EU relations.
For more information and registration go to the official ACONA homepage.