The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium

Deterring and Influencing Terrorism and WMD
2021-09-21 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Jeff Knopf
Middlebury Institute of International
Studies at Monterey
Fall 2021
This seminar examines deterrence and other strategies for responding to security threats, with a focus on how those strategies might be adapted to deal with the dangers posed by terrorism and WMD proliferation. The course will survey existing research on deterrence and alternative policy tools such as coercive diplomacy, assurance, and positive incentives. It will introduce some of the latest thinking about whether these tools are useful for influencing actors away from support for terrorism or WMD acquisition or use.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Towards a Common Understanding of the Risks and Threats to Safety, Security and Sustainability in Outer Space
2021-10-13
The Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS) organised the second part of a virtual EUNPDC Ad hoc seminar on “Towards a common understanding of the risks and threats to safety, security and sustainability in outer space”.
This ad-hoc webinar aimed at building a common understanding of the main risks and threats in space today, through exchanges of views and information between experts. This webinar was designed so that its outputs could contribute to foster discussions at the European level. This international perspective of the main security and safety issues in outer space, built within the 3SOS framework, will serve to provide political recommendations to diplomatic actors across the geopolitical spectrum.
The first round table focused on threats on space security which were not addressed during the first webinar: cyber threats, electronic warfare and air and space integration. The second round table served to move the discussion forward towards a common understanding of risks and threats to safety, security and sustainability in outer space

Agenda

13:00 – 13:10 Introduction and key takeaways from the first seminar
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
13:10 – 14:10 Session 1: Threats to space security
Increased activities in space and new technologies create emerging threats to human activities in space and on the ground. The previous seminar already addressed threats linked to large constellations, militarisation of outer space and servicing activities. This second seminar will focus on emerging threats, including but not limited to cyber-attacks, electronic warfare, launch and re-entry risks, or near-space activities such as space tourism and HAPS.
Chair: Jana Robinson, Managing Director, Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI)
Speakers:

Beyza Unal, Deputy Director, International Security Department, Chatham House
Ajey Lele, Senior Fellow at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
Tal Inbar, Former Head of the Space Research Center, Fisher Institute

14:10 – 14:25 Break
14:25 – 15:25 Session 2: Towards a common understanding of risks and threats
Both seminars have addressed new risks and threats in outer space, related to civilian and military activities. This concluding session will serve to take stock of progress made since the start of the first ad-hoc webinar with regards to reaching a common understanding of risks and threats in outer space, and help envision future common solutions.
Chair: Paul Wohrer, Research Fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)
Speakers:

Guoyu Wang, Dean of Academy of Air, Space Policy and Law, Beijing Institute of Technology
Setsuko Aoki, Professor of Law, Keio University Law School
Raja Qaiser Ahmed, Assistant Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad
Laura Grego, Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow, Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

15:25 – 15:30 Concluding Remarks
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space and Head of SECDEFPOL.5 Space Division, European External Action Service, European Union (EU)
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS)

Tenth EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2021-12-06 13:00 - 2021-12-07 17:00
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Space Security
2021-12-15 08:00 - 2022-03-15 08:00
Charles University Prague/ Bohumil Doboš
Winter 2021/22

This course aims to introduce students to the field of Space Security, covering the secure access to space, operations in space, and space-related threats. The main topics are concentrated on counterspace activities; the dual-use nature of space systems; the indispensability of space services to terrestrial applications (both civil and military); challenges associated with space situational awareness; space debris; planetary defense; anti-satellite weapons and early warning systems in relation to the strategic stability on Earth; the geopolitics of outer space; and new risk considerations related to the “New Space” phenomenon.
Download Syllabus

2021 Next Generation Workshop
2021-12-15 13:00 - 2021-12-16 16:00

Politics of Nuclear (Non-)Proliferation
2021-12-21 - 2022-02-20 | Charles University Prague
Michael Smetana
Charles University Prague
Winter 2021/2022
Politics of Nuclear (Non-)Proliferation is a course about the role of nuclear weapons in international
relations that should provide the students with a basic introduction into the world of arms control
diplomats, disarmament activists, nuclear experts, and scholars studying the causes and consequences of the
spread of nuclear weapons. The course is recommended for active students who enjoy interactive teaching
methods, challenging debates, and international security puzzles.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative - Fourth Outreach Event
2022-03-31 15:00 - 16:15
The International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non Proliferation (VCDNP) will organize a virtual event entitled: “Working at International Organizations: Tips and Insights for the Next Generation – the BWC and the OPCW.”
The event will be held on Thursday, 31 March 2022 from 3:00 to 4:15 PM (CEST) via Zoom.
The webinar will feature introductory presentations by representatives from the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Speakers will share their personal experience in the field and provide insights and information, including how to enter and advance in a career in the non-proliferation and disarmament field with a focus on biological and chemical sciences. Following the experts’ remarks, the meeting will be open for questions and comments from the audience.
The event will be open to the general public and will be held as a part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative, led by the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in the framework and with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium.
ACCESS THE AGENDA HERE
ACCESS THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE
The opinions/views expressed by the speakers in the event do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the International Affairs Institute nor the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation nor their employees.

Working at International Organisations: Tips and Insights for the Next Generation – the BWC and the OPCW
2022-03-31 15:00 - 16:15
On 31 March 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) with the support of the EU Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the fourth YWNGI public outreach event. The event was dedicated to tips and insights for working at international organisations, and, in particular, those who oversee the prohibition of biological and chemical weapons. Previous events can be found here.
Aimed at both young professionals and students, especially young women, the webinar featured Daniel Feakes, Chief of the Implementation Support Unit of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC-ISU), and Elisabeth Waechter, Head of the Public Affairs Branch of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The event was opened with welcome remarks by IAI Executive Vice PresidentEttore Greco and moderated by VCDNP Senior Research Associate Federica Dall’Arche.

Daniel Feakes started his remarks with the hindsight of his own career path. Starting with an internship in academia focused on chemical and biological issues, he has now been working in the field for over 20 years. Feakes noted how a technical degree is not required in order to enter the field and that history, international relations, and regional studies students are all well equipped for a career in this field. Feakes then provided a brief overview of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC), highlighting its key functions such as sustaining the unequivocal norm against these weapons, creating the platform for a global dialogue, promoting peaceful uses of biological agents and toxins, and building transparency among States. He also provided an overview of the work of the ISU, which is based in the Geneva Branch of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
Feakes noted that nowadays young people can find numerous professional and educational opportunities online, pointing specifically to the UNODA website, including information on the Youth4Disarmament initiative. He also highlighted the United Nations career opportunities for youth, which include internships, the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), and the Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO).
Among other opportunities, Feakes mentioned several intended for young scientists including the 6th Annual Next Generation For Biosecurity Competition, IFBA Global Mentorship program, iGEM 2022 Grand Jamboree, Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellowship, and Biosecurity Champions Fellowship.
He concluded his remarks by mentioning the Youth Declaration for Biosecurity that was developed by young scientists participating in the Second Edition of the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South held in 2021. “Such opportunities can arise from networking and collective brain power, collective activism, dedication, and commitment.”

Elisabeth Waechter provided an overview of the OPCW and its work. Waechter noted that the OPCW is the implementing body of the legally binding Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which aims to eliminate chemical weapons in all aspects, including development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use. In 2013, the Organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons. This was particularly timely given the OPCW’s active involvement in overseeing the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme in the safest and most secure manner possible since the country’s accession to the CWC in 2013. She also explained the history, goals and mandate of the OPCW, highlighting that the Organisation also works on preventing the use of chemical weapons and potential responses to such use, and promotes peaceful uses of chemistry.
In reference to her career, Waechter defined herself as an experienced international civil servant having worked in numerous UN bodies, many of which were focused on disarmament. When speaking about her work within the OPCW, she highlighted that one of the key areas her Division is tasked with is the achievement of the CWC’s universality. In this regard, Waechter stressed the importance of communication in the disarmament field, especially since it does not always receive the attention it deserves:“There is a lot to do and learn in the area of science communication and communication around disarmament.”Waechter noted that the OPCW is always recruiting, therefore she encouraged the audience to explore the OPCW’s twitter, LinkedIn, and employment pages, highlighting the paid internship opportunities available in different sectors within the Organisation.

The discussion following the presentations covered a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the most appropriate fields of study to ways to stand out, including the most useful skills and core competencies to acquire. Among the traditionally desirable skills like strong English language and knowledge of other languages, leadership, teamwork, intercultural communications, creativity, willingness to learn, and IT skills were also mentioned. “Anything that is related to social media, layout and design of publication and infographics – those additional skills certainly help people to stand out from the crowd.”
Speakers also provided information regarding the recruitment process and shared tips for solid applications and successful competency-based interviews. Both speakers encouraged applicants to be patient and to keep trying even when faced with numerous rejections. They stressed that it is a myth that you will not get hired if you do not know someone within the organisation or wider UN network, emphasizing: “If you do not apply you will not have a chance”.
The event concluded with both representatives sharing their personal motivation to work in the biological and chemical disarmament field. Waechter stressed that as an international servant for 17 years, she could not imagine doing any other work indicating that “what drives me is the realisation that what we do matters, that it is important.” Feakes agreed and added that both passion and motivation are needed in order to do this type of job, concluding that “the main purpose of what we are doing, preventing biological or chemical weapons from being developed and used, that is the kind of noble thing to be doing.”
The full recording of the outreach event can be found below:
https://youtu.be/GIupdeBfVGY
For more information:

Daniel Feakes can be contacted at daniel.feakes@un.org and his presentation is available for download here.
Elisabeth Waechter can be contacted at elisabeth.waechter@opcw.org and her presentation is available for download here.

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
2022-04-28 08:00 - 17:00
Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
On 28-29 April 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the final meeting of the 1st edition of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme , an initiative aimed to pair successful candidates (mentees) with well-established experts (mentors) and engage in a mentoring relationship. During this last year, Mentees had the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and outreach events on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and related topics, including the EUNPDC Annual Conference and the Next Generation Workshop. Networking and career opportunities have been also facilitated through seminars, social events and other activities.
Previous events can be found here.
The event was divided into three thematic panels.
The first panel addressed current and emerging challenges and opportunities in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Moderated by Elena Sokova (VCDNP), it featured some of the Mentors of the programme, including: Sybille Bauer (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI), Renata Hessmann (The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR), Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), and Jenny Nielsen (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO).
VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova with Sybille Bauer, Renata Hessmann, Filippa Lentzos and Jenny Nielsen
During the second panel, three Mentees of the programme, Intan Bedisa (International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development, INFID), Stella Blumfelde (University of Genoa) and Emily Faux (University of Leeds), presented on issues related to non-proliferation and disarmament, specifically: regional approaches to nuclear non-proliferation, cybersecurity and disinformation, and popular culture and nuclear politics respectively. The panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).
The second panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).
The last panel was devoted to a comprehensive evaluation of the programme with a view to receiving feedbacks and making improvements for future editions. The open discussion was moderated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP).
Federica Dall’Arche moderating the last panel
The event was opened by IAI Director Nathalie Tocci, while closing remarks were delivered by Ettore Greco (IAI).
Read the concept note and event agenda
You can find Intan Bedisa’s presentation here.
You can find Stella Blumfelde’s presentation here.
You can find Emily Faux’s presentation here.
For more information, please visit the website of the initiative.

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 1st Edition Final Meeting
2022-04-28 19:00 - 2022-04-29 18:00 | IAI Istituto Affari Internazionali, Via dei Montecatini, 17, Roma, 00186, Italy
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On 28-29 April 2022, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized the final meeting of the 1st edition of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme , an initiative aimed to pair successful candidates (mentees) with well-established experts (mentors) and engage in a mentoring relationship. During this last year, Mentees had the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and outreach events on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and related topics, including the EUNPDC Annual Conference and the Next Generation Workshop. Networking and career opportunities have been also facilitated through seminars, social events and other activities.

Previous events can be found here.

The event was divided into three thematic panels.
The first panel addressed current and emerging challenges and opportunities in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Moderated by Elena Sokova (VCDNP), it featured some of the Mentors of the programme, including: Sybille Bauer (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI), Renata Hessmann (The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR), Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), and Jenny Nielsen (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, CTBTO).

During the second panel, three Mentees of the programme, Intan Bedisa (International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development, INFID), Stella Blumfelde (University of Genoa) and Emily Faux (University of Leeds), presented on issues related to non-proliferation and disarmament, specifically: regional approaches to nuclear non-proliferation, cybersecurity and disinformation, and popular culture and nuclear politics respectively. The panel was co-moderated by Mara Zarka (VCDNP) and Manuel Herrera (IAI).

The last panel was devoted to a comprehensive evaluation of the programme with a view to receiving feedbacks and making improvements for future editions. The open discussion was moderated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP).

The event was opened by IAI Director Nathalie Tocci, while closing remarks were delivered by Ettore Greco (IAI).

For more information, please visit the website of the initiative below:
https://nonproliferation.eu/activities/education-programmes/young-women-and-next-generation-initiative/

Non-Nuclear Weapons and Strategic Stability in Europe
2022-04-29 14:00 - 17:00
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Eleventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium
2022-09-14 - 2022-09-15
The 11th Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium was held on 14 and 15 September 2022.
Organised by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the meeting focused on the topicality of multilateral export control regimes.
A long-standing and important part of the global non-proliferation architecture, multilateral export control regimes are informal groups of states that agree to coordinate their export control policies and practices for military and/or dual-use goods and technologies in order to prevent the associated proliferation risks. In addition to the four main existing regimes (the Australia Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies), specific European mechanisms have been added over time. Thus, a EU regulation governs the export control regime of dual-use items. Additional restrictive measures (such as the sanctions imposed on Russia after the launch of its armed aggression against Ukraine, for example) have been or may be added to these mechanisms, whether voluntary or binding. All these measures play a direct role in the fight against proliferation, but also in disseminating norms and involving industrial and scientific stakeholders in the global security architecture.
This eleventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium was devoted to a critical review of existing regimes. In particular, addressed the question of their effectiveness, the issue of inter-regime coordination, the question of control of emerging technologies, and the particular case of European policy, including dual-use and the war in Ukraine.

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Launch of the 2022 Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme
2022-09-19 08:00 - 17:00
Launch of the 2022 Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme
On 19 September 2022, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI), as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), launched the 2nd edition of Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (YWNPD) Mentorship Programme.
The Mentorship Programme, established in 2021 and organized in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), pairs 20 young women (mentees), carefully chosen through a highly competitive selection process, with well-established experts (mentors) to engage in a mentoring relationship that envisions, among other things, regular video or in-person meetings. Mentees are also expected to attend conferences, seminars, social events, and other activities, in order to be exposed to networking and career opportunities.
Participants of the Launch Event
The launch event was opened by the VCDNP Executive Director, Elena Sokova, the IAI Executive Vice-President, Ettore Greco, and the EUNPDC Chair, Sibylle Bauer who welcomed the new cohort and congratulated new mentees for having been selected among over 300 very strong applications.
VCDNP Executive Director, Elena Sokova, IAI Executive Vice-President, Ettore Greco, and EUNPDC Chair, Sibylle Bauer
Three former mentees – Akanshya Gurung, Emily Faux, and Virginia Bertuzzi – shared their personal experience during the previous edition of the programme.
Akanshya Gurung noted how the mentorship programme was valuable to her as it challenged the assumption that young women have no place in discussing nuclear weapons, arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. She also shared how the programme helped her build a network of likeminded, passionate and motivated people, suggesting the new cohort not to look at the programme as just another item to put on their resumes but as a unique process for making connections and create opportunities.
Emily Faux noted that the mentorship programme, proved to be very useful for her Ph.D. studies, extracurricular research activities, and essay-writing competition. Ms. Faux praised the professionalism of the VCDNP and IAI noting that “whenever an issue arose, they were always there to help resolve them”.
For Virginia Bertuzzi, the programme was a “milestone exercise”. Ms Bertuzzi noted that her cohort of mentees became her family and helped her to stay motivated and not to lose hope even in difficult times. Now, they all look forward to the opportunity to meet again because, she said: “Once mentee, always mentee”. She encouraged the new cohort to take advantage of the opportunity and to ask for help given that having a mentor, she said, is priceless.
Akanshya Gurung, Emily Faux, and Virginia Bertuzzi, mentees of the 1st edition of the mentorship programme
Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the VCDNP and Paola Tessari, Researcher at the IAI, offered an overview of the programme, discussing expectations and opportunities for both mentors and mentees as well as the upcoming activities. A round of introductions of all participants followed, allowing the organizers, mentors, and mentees to get to know each other better.
Meet and Greet Session during the Launch Event
The VCDNP and IAI look forward to working with this bright and motivated cohort of mentees and deeply thank returning and new mentors in the 2022 Programme.

International Security, Nuclear Weapons and the War in Ukraine
2022-09-30 08:00 - 17:00
10 October 2022, 15:00 – 17:00
Via Gabriello Chiabrera 199, Roma sala delle Lauree

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Hybrid Format
The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI), in cooperation with the University of Roma Tre, will hold a 2-hour event to discuss arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament and the impact of the war in Ukraine on these issues.
The event will be held on Monday, 10 October 2022 from 15:00 to 17:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST), both in-person at the faculty of Political Science of Roma Tre (via Gabriello Chiabrera 199) and online via Microsoft Teams.
You are invited to join VCDNP and IAI experts to discuss the current geopolitical landscape, with a focus on the impact of the war in Ukraine, assess the threat of nuclear weapons, including their potential use, the state of the non-proliferation regime and disarmament efforts. The event will also include an overview of the work of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), and information on opportunities offered by fellowships, internships, and other initiatives.
Speakers include Ettore Greco and Manuel Herrera from IAI, Hanna Notte and Federica Dall’Arche from VCDNP, and professors Marilena Gala and Leopoldo Nuti from Roma Tre. A tentative agenda can be seen below.
The event can be joined by clicking on this link
The VCDNP and IAI thank the University of Roma Tre for hosting the event. The event is funded by the European Union in the framework of the EUNPDC and the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative.

Agenda
15:00 International Security, Nuclear Weapons and the War in The Ukraine
Welcome Address and Moderation
Marilena Gala, Associate Professor, Roma Tre University
Panelists
Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, International Affairs Institute, Rome
Hanna Notte, Senior Research Associate, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Leopoldo Nuti, Professor, Roma Tre University
Q&A
16:15 Break
16:25 The EUNPD Consortium and Other Initiatives and Opportunities
Moderation
Leopoldo Nuti, Professor, Roma Tre University

Panelists
Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Manuel Herrera, Researcher, International Affairs Institute, Rome,.

Q&A

17:00 Meeting Ends

Engagement Opportunities in Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation for Young Professionals and Students
2022-10-19 15:00 - 16:45 | Online

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Workshop 2022
2022-11-14 | Brussels – Belgium
On 14 November 2022, the IAI, as a member of the EUNPD Consortium, organised the EU Next Generation Nonproliferation and Disarmament Workshop. The annual event, in its fifth edition, was attended by young academics in the field of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament, selected through a call for papers. During the event, participants presented their ideas on how to address the main challenges in this field. In particular, the following topics were addressed this year:

Russian Disinformation Practices at the OPCW
Which Actors Have Been Involved in Cyberspace during the War in Ukraine
Disinformation and Biological Weapons
Effective Arms Control for the Lethal Autonomous Weapons
Proliferation Concerns of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Militarization of Outer Space
The hypersonic missile race’s implications for nuclear deterrence
Emerging Arms Race in Southern Asia
Sanctions implementation on North Korea
WMD Threats in the Middle East

The presentations were followed by questions and comments from other participants, including EU representatives.

Call for participation - Next Generation Workshop on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
2022-11-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Brussels – Belgium

Eleventh EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2022-11-14 14:00 - 2022-11-15 18:30
SUMMARY REPORT
Download the report, available in the following languages: ENG, FRA, SPA, ARA, RUS, CIN
The eleventh EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference (EUNPDC) was held on 14 and 15 November 2022 in a hybrid format at the SQUARE – Brussels Convention Centre in Brussels (Belgium). The Conference was organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on behalf of the EU Network of Independent Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Think Tanks, gathering experts on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control and conventional weapons from public institutions, governments, international organisations, independent think tanks and civil society. Over 250 experts from more than 50 countries – EU members, associated states and third countries – attended the conference in person.
The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference is one of the flagship events of the European Network of Independent Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Think Tanks. The Network was established in July 2010 by the Council of the European Union to support the implementation of the EU Strategy Against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The Network, which also focuses on the implementation of the EU Strategy Against Illicit Firearms, Small Arms & Light Weapons & Their Ammunition, brings together more than 100 research entities and is coordinated by a Consortium of six institutes: La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK – PRIF), Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP).
Since 2012, the Annual Conference has been one of the key non-proliferation and disarmament meetings worldwide. It has contributed to promoting strategic discussion on measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, as well as to address challenges related to conventional weapons, including their illicit trade and the excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. The 2022 edition addressed numerous topics of central importance for the work of the EU, notably the European External Action Service (EEAS), as well as several pressing arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issues.
The participants were welcomed by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, who started his speech by explaining the overall mission of the Consortium and the progress it has made in consolidating a broad network of European think tanks working on non-proliferation and disarmament. He then stressed that the Consortium had made a constant effort to improve its activities, such as expanding and diversifying educational activities, involving new areas of expertise, developing its outreach and communication strategy, and undertaking new initiatives to promote the active involvement of the younger generation, in particular young women. He then noted that the 2022 Conference would focus on the war in Ukraine, with a plenary session specifically dedicated to the implications and perspectives of the war. He stated that there would also be two plenary sessions on the main priorities of the international non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. Finally, he also announced two sets of parallel sessions covering topics such as cyber-attacks, the militarisation of outer space, biotechnology, missile proliferation and lethal autonomous weapons.
The Conference was opened by the Managing Director for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response of the EEAS, Benedikta Von Seherr-Thoss. She emphasised that European security had dramatically changed in one year and there had been, more broadly, a considerable deterioration of the international security environment. Nevertheless, the biggest reason for concern by far is, she said, Russia. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, she noted, hampered the EU’s work in most multilateral cooperation forums such as at the NPT Review Conference. She added that the EU will continue to work on pressing issues related to WMD, not only nuclear but also chemical and biological weapons, and mentioned the need to face the deteriorating situation in various regional and security environments such as the Middle East and North East Asia. Finally, she mentioned the challenges associated with the proliferation of conventional weapons in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. She ended her intervention by emphasising that the EU’s role and commitment are crucial to tackle all these challenges.
The remainder of the conference was articulated into four plenary sessions and six parallel sessions which discussed a variety of issues such as the future of arms control and international security; the challenges to the NPT regime; the evolving threats of biological weapons; WMD threats in the Middle East; lethal autonomous weapons; cyber-security; responsible behaviour in outer space; missile technology proliferation; the Ukrainian war and weapons proliferation; and the implementation of the EU’s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
The Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the EEAS, Marjolijn van Deelen, stressed the radical change in the global and European security architecture. The current non-proliferation and disarmament regimes served very well in the past as they were instrumental in preventing destabilising arms races and reducing WMD threats over the past decades. Entire categories of WMD were outlawed and robust control mechanisms were set up, and as imperfect as they were, they gave a sense of stability. However, the present reality is different: we are witnessing a paradigm shift, not only in the WMD domain but also beyond. Practically, all major agreements have been challenged or violated. In the diplomatic jargon, this is attributable to “growing tensions between major powers and worsening of international security”, but this is just a way of saying that some States appear to be willing to deconstruct the global security order in the hope of gaining a relative advantage.
The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, concurred that there was a visible shift towards a more turbulent and unstable future. The world is increasingly divided, she noted, distrust is replacing dialogue and the relations between nuclear armed States are deteriorating. She mentioned five objectives that need to be pursued in this context as a matter of priority: first, consolidate global norms against the use and possession of WMD; second, further work towards the elimination of chemical weapons; third, activate new instruments to cope with the dramatically worsening biological threats; fourth, advance the analysis of cyber and outer space as potential domains of conflict; and finally, work towards a positive outcome at the RevCon of the programme of action on small and light weapons. She closed her remarks by stating that in order to tackle the current challenges, there is the need to work with a multiplicity of actors, and added that the complementarity between the EU and the UNODA is grounded in a mutual conviction and commitment to a multilateral approach to disarmament and non-proliferation.
The 2022 EUNPD Conference also featured key interventions from high-ranking officials such as Wendin D. Smith, Director of NATO’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Non-proliferation Centre (ACDC); Deepti Choubey, Director of Knowledge Management and HR, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); Gustavo Zlauvinen, President-designate of the Tenth Review Conference for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); Jacek Bylica, Chief of Cabinet at the Director General’s Office, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Daniel Feakes, Chief of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA); Leonardo Bencini, President-designate of the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC); Stephan Klement, Head of Delegation to the International Organisations in Vienna and EU Permanent Representative to the UN Organisations in Vienna, IAEA and CTBTO; Beyza Unal, Head of Science, Technology and International Security Unit at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA); Seraina Frost, Deputy Head of Export Control Policy at SECO and Chair of MTCR Technical Expert Meeting; Heike Gerstbrein, Head of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Operations & Election Observation Unit; Stefan Tressing, Deputy Head of Division, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control, European External Action Service (EEAS); along with renowned academics, researchers and government officials from around the world.
The final session featured interventions by two young scholars: Emily Faux, mentee at the 2021 edition of the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme (YWNGI), and Tim Thies, researcher in the Arms Control and Emerging Technologies Project at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) and speaker at the 2021 Next Generation Workshop. Both emphasised the need to raise public awareness about the potentially destructive effects of nuclear weapons and to include young people in order to promote new expertise on arms control, in fields such as cybersecurity and AI, and to foster greater generational diversity.
In her concluding remarks, Sibylle Bauer, Chair of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium and Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) emphasised the need to be open to new ideas and unorthodox solutions, and to think outside of the box. She noted that in the last five years the Conference had ensured a gender balance in terms of chairs, speakers and participants. She added that a greater dose of optimism was required in evaluating developments in the non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament field. In view of this, there is a need to switch to a problem-solving mode and think more deeply about concrete solutions to the new challenges. She then spoke about the need, in this age of disinformation and misinformation, to build trust between people in the sharing and dissemination of data and other sources of information and analysis. In this regard, she stressed the importance of independent research and the work done by the network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks. She concluded by calling for intensified efforts to bring a greater diversity of disciplines and approaches into the non-proliferation and disarmament field.
The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference proved to be, once again, a central event for the international discussion on the future of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. It also contributed to reaffirming the strong EU commitment towards a rules-based global order and showed the increased awareness of EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies among government officials, academics and civil society representatives of third countries. Moreover, the debate explored new ways and means of improving capacities in areas of the world with limited expertise in countering the threats stemming from SALW, WMD and their means of delivery. Finally, as every year, the Conference served as a venue to highlight the role played by European think tanks specialised in non-proliferation and disarmament and the efforts undertaken by the EU Consortium to promote and coordinate their work.

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December 2022, SIPRI and EUNPDC co-host intensive course on ‘WMD Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Pathways’
2022-12-06 - 2022-12-08
On 6–8 December 2022, SIPRI and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) hosted an intensive introductory course on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), mechanisms to control their further spread and pathways to disarmament.
Held in Stockholm, the course brought together 19 international graduate and postgraduate students of engineering disciplines. This course was also a networking opportunity for the next generation of academics, researchers and policymakers in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Dr Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, and Vitaly Fedchenko, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, delivered welcoming remarks for the programme.Participants were trained by leading experts in the field of WMD non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, nuclear security, forensics, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, as well other European and United States research centres, think tanks and international organizations.
Participants engaged in a three-day intensive programme of lectures and discussions covering the fundamentals of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, as well as of missiles and other means of WMD delivery; threats associated with the military use of WMD and potential terrorist uses of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) material (i.e. CBRN terrorism); arms control treaties; WMD-free zones; non-proliferation treaties and means of their verification; export controls; and mechanisms aimed at achieving disarmament. The course also examined the impact of new and emerging technologies, and the role of the engineering industry in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons.
SIPRI and the EUNPDC will continue to develop courses of this kind and host them twice a year.

Contact : Vitaly Fedchenko

"Star Wars“: Outer Space and Spaceflight in Peace and Conflict Studies
2023-01-02 08:00 - 17:00
University of Duisburg-Essen/Arne Sönnichsen
Winter 2022/23
This Seminar supplemented the Lecture “International Relations and Global Governance” at University Duisburg-Essen. It connects fundamental knowledge about Peace- and Conflict Studies with Outer Space and Spaceflight. In order to understand how new technological developments influence wars and conflicts, the development of Space Technologies was exemplified for this seminar. With the help of several case studies, this seminar aimed to first contextualize Space as a geopolitical area of conflict, while secondly analyzing the relevance of Space for conflicts on earth. This lecture was held in german.
Level: Undergraduate
Download Syllabus

Opportunities, Threats and Proliferation Challenges deriving from Bio-Technology and Bio-Engineering
2023-01-16 | Online
On 16 January 2023, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, organized a public webinar focused on the opportunities, threats and proliferation challenges deriving from bio-technology and bio-engineering. The event also provided tips and advice for working in the field of biological weapons non-proliferation and peaceful uses of bio-technology.
The webinar, open to the public but particularly intended for students and young specialists , featured remarks from:

Dr Angela Kane, former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and Senior Adviser at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI);
Dr Filippa Lentzos, Associate Professor in Science & International Security at King’s College London; and
Dr James Revill, Head of the WMD and Space Security Programmes at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

The event was opened by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice-President of the IAI, and moderated by Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). It was attended by over 70 participants from different regions of the world.
In his opening speech, Ettore Greco gave an overview of the purpose and scope of YWNGI, highlighting in particular how, through the organization of workshops, public webinars, and a mentoring programme for young women, the Initiative advances the efforts of the EUNPD Consortium in engaging the next generation in non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control discussions. The panellists talked about the challenges and risks associated with biological agents and the rapid advances in biotechnology. In particular, Dr. Kane discussed the global impact of the spread of biological agents given their potential weaponization and provided an overview of the role of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in countering such spread. Dr Lentzos continued the discussion by illustrating the main outcomes of the Ninth BWC Review Conference, held in Geneva in November and December 2022, assessing prospects for the future of the regime. Dr. Revill explored the convergence between biological agents, artificial intelligence and biosecurity/bio-technology and bio-engineering.
Speakers also illustrated career opportunities in the field of biological non-proliferation and disarmament.

From the top left: Ettore Greco, Federica Dall’Arche, Dr. Angela Kane, Dr. Filippa Lentzos, Dr. James Revill
The discussion was followed by a Q&A session, which covered a wide-spectrum of topics, ranging from Covid-19 to risk-assessment scenarios passing through the role of non-state actors.
A full recording of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgBdPkKm7tQ

Nuclear Weapons and Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Nexus and Mitigating Risks
2023-03-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Nuclear Weapons and Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Nexus and Mitigating Risks

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non‑Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) will hold a public webinar entitled: “Nuclear Weapons and Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Nexus and Mitigating Risks”. The meeting will take place on Zoom on 16 March 2023, from 17:00 to 18:00 (CET).
The event will feature Marina Favaro, Senior Policy Analyst at Anthropic.
The panellist will focus on the overlap between artificial intelligence and the nuclear domain, as well as the role for the private sector in developing standards and norms for AI.
The event is aimed, in particular, at students and young specialists interested in learning more about the field of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament, but also open to the general public.
The working language will be English.
Speaker:

Marina Favaro, Senior Policy Analyst, Anthropic

VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova will offer welcome remarks and moderate the event.
We kindly ask you to RSVP using the online registration form below.
The opinions/views expressed by the speaker in this event do not necessarily reflect the opinions/views of the VCDNP.

Registration and Questions
We kindly ask you to RSVP using the online registration form.
Should you have any questions, please direct your inquiries to events@vcdnp.org or call VCDNP at +43-1-236-94-82. In case you have troubles accessing the online registration form, please email events@vcdnp.org.

The War in Ukraine, Authoritarian Regimes and Opportunities for the Next Generation in Non-Proliferation: VCDNP and PRCP joint event at the Charles University of Prague
2023-04-21
The War in Ukraine, Authoritarian Regimes and Opportunities for the Next Generation in Non-Proliferation: VCDNP and PRCP joint event at the Charles University of Prague
On 21 April 2023, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) joined the Peace Research Center Prague (PRCP) in the organization of the PRCP Annual Conference at the Charles University, Faculty of Law.
The VCDNP contributed to the event as part of its outreach activity to European universities under the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI). The YWNGI was jointly established by the VCDNP and the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and within the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) in an effort to engage the next generation in non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control.

The first panel of the event was dedicated to the War in Ukraine. Speakers provided an assessment one year after the start of the conflict, discussing current developments, the military strategies of both sides, as well as possible future scenarios. The panel was moderated by Michal Smetana (PRCP) and included the following speakers:

Sir Lawrence Freedman (King’s College London)
Nina Tannenwald (Brown University)
Harald Müller (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt/PRCP)
Hanna Notte (VCDNP)

From the left: Michal Smetana, Sir Lawrence Freedman, Nina Tannenwald, Hanna Notte and Harald Müller

The second panel, dedicated to authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa, featured:

Noura Wahby (American University in Cairo)
Tereza Jermanová (PRCP)
Jakub Koláček (Charles University)

The panel was moderated by Jan Daniel (PRCP) and explored authoritarian practices as well as ways in which the undemocratic rule is challenged by citizens and various movements.

From the left: Jan Daniel, Noura Wahby, Jakub Koláček, and Tereza JermanovÁ

The third panel was dedicated to the work of the EUNPDC and to opportunities for young women and the next generation in the arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament field. The panel featured:

Paola Tessari (IAI)
Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP)

From the left: Paola Tessari and Federica Dall’Arche

Harald Müller, one of the original co-founder of the EUNPD Consortium, also contributed to the panel, sharing his experience in establishing the Consortium.

Harald Müller talking about the EUNPD Consortium

All panels were followed by Q&A sessions.
The presentation of the event is available on : The EUNPD Consortium and its work

For further informations on Youth opportunities linked with the consortium activities : Additional Opportunities for the Next Generation
For more information, please refer to the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative website or to the Event Page

May 2023, WMD Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Pathways: intensive online introductory course for students of nuclear and aerospace engineering disciplines
2023-05-02 - 2023-05-05
SIPRI and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) invite graduate and postgraduate students of nuclear and aerospace engineering disciplines to apply for an intensive online introductory course on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), mechanisms to control their further spread and pathways to disarmament. The course will take place online, during four half-days on 2–5 May 2023, 14:00 to 18:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST).
The course will cover the fundamentals of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, as well as of missiles and other means of WMD delivery; threats associated with the military use of WMD and potential terrorist uses of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) material (i.e. CBRN terrorism); arms control treaties; WMD-free zones; non-proliferation treaties and means of their verification; export controls; and mechanisms aimed at achieving disarmament.
The course will also discuss the role of the nuclear and aerospace industries in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons. The course will be instructed by renowned experts on WMD non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, other European research centres, think tanks and international organizations.

Eligibility and application
The course is open to all students currently enrolled in a university and pursuing a graduate or postgraduate degree in any nuclear or aerospace engineering discipline. Applications from qualified women and under-represented communities are encouraged.
The language of instruction is English. There is no tuition fee. The deadline for applications is 16 April 2023. As space is limited, we recommend that applications are submitted as early as possible. Participants will be given access to preparatory materials.
Applications should be submitted in English via SIPRI’s electronic application system to be eligible. Please access the form via the ‘apply’ button at the end of this page.
Please note that you will be asked to upload a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a record of courses taken to date and grades received as well as a letter confirming your enrolment in a graduate/postgraduate programme.
Selections will be finalized by 21 April 2023, and applicants will be informed thereafter.
All inquiries about the course should be directed to Vitaly Fedchenko, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme.

Contact person
Vitaly Fedchenko, Senior Researcher : fedchenko@sipri.org

Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 2nd Edition Final Meeting
2023-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
Young Women and Next Generation Initiative in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme – 2nd Edition Final Meeting

On 15 May 2023, the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) organised the final meeting of the second edition of the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme.
The Programme pairs 20 driven young females with 20 well-established experts in the field over the course of nine months and gives mentees the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and outreach events on non-proliferation, disarmament, arms control, and related topics, including the EUNPDC Annual Conference and Next Generation Workshop. The Programme has also provided networking and career development opportunities through seminars, social events, and other activities. The Mentorship Programme is part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative under the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.
“I think the programme is a great initiative. It encouraged me to study more non-proliferation, disarmament, and gender issues, and it provided me with amazing connections with mentees and mentors. The programme taught me good lessons, it helped me improve many of my skills and now I intend to deepen my studies into a Master’s in this field.”
2023 Mentee
The final meeting was opened by Stefan Tressing, Deputy Head of the Division for Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control at the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Elena Sokova, VCDNP Executive Director.

Stefan Tressing (EEAS) delivering opening remarks

The event was held online and divided into three sessions.
The first session was dedicated to mentees’ presentations and moderated by Paola Tessari (IAI). Selected mentees presented their work and research prepared over the course of the Mentorship Programme. The presentations covered issues related to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, such as autonomous weapon systems, non-traditional security and nuclear risk, diversity in non-proliferation and disarmament, economic sanctions from a gender perspective, and gender and race in international security.

Presentation by Elin Bergner (Open Nuclear Network)

Presentations were delivered by:

Insaf Senouci (Sciences Po Grenoble)
Stephanie Verlaan (EuropeanUniversity Viadrina)
Veerle Moyson (UNODA Vienna Office)
Jennet Charyyeva (Bilkent University)
Amanda Pereira (Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo)
Elin Bergner (Open Nuclear Network)
Natalina Popat (Oxford University)
Irene Palomo (European Research Council Executive Agency – ERCEA)

Presentation by Jennet Charyyeva (Bilkent University)

“I really like the concept of this Programme and how refreshing it felt to coach a mentee/someone who is hopeful and positive about the field and I learned a lot too as a mentor!”
2023 Mentor

Second panel discussion

The second panel focused on providing career advice and featured a presentation by Elizabeth Bone, Career and Academic Advisor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Ms. Bone shared helpful tips when searching for a job and offered guidelines for dealing with rejection and building resilience. The panel was moderated by Manuel Herrera (IAI).

Presentation by Elizabeth Bone (MIIS)

“I feel encouraged knowing there are many other young women working on the same path as me. It is nice to hear you’re not alone. I received good guidance and explanations and insights which allowed me to reflect on my career path and possible developments, outcomes and combinations. This is very important.”
2023 Mentee
The last panel was devoted to a comprehensive evaluation of the programme to collect feedback from participants and brainstorm improvements for future editions. The open discussion was moderated by Federica Dall’Arche (VCDNP).
Closing remarks were delivered by Sybille Bauer (SIPRI and Chair of the EUNPD Consortium).

Weapons Of Mass Destruction Counter Proliferation: Interdiction, Deterrence And Defense
2023-06-22 08:00 - 17:00
Paris School of International Affairs/Fouad El Khatib
Spring 2023
This course examines core issues of the Counter-Proliferation of WMDs. In order to prepare students of this class for real professions in the fields of International Security, most lessons are paired with a case study that helps to understand the dynamics of WMDs, related missile programs, networks and international implications.
Fouad El Khatib displays a robust expertise in governmental advisory and diplomacy for International Security topics. Among previous assignments, he was UN Chief inspector for the disarmament of Iraq, Special adviser for counter-proliferation at the SGDSN (Office of the French Prime minister) and more recently Deputy-Director for Regional Affairs at the General Directorate for International Affairs and Strategy issues (DGRIS) of the French ministry of defense.
Level: Undergraduate
Download Syllabus

Conflicts in the Digital Age: Information Operations and Cyber Warfare
2023-06-22 08:00 - 17:00
Dr. Michael Raska/ S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Winter 2022/23
This course offers an introductory view on the evolving concepts, processes, and debates of information and cyber conflicts whether in political, military, socio-economic, and intelligence domains that are shaping international security. The goal is to provide students with an overall but solid knowledge of cyber and information operations and to encourage them to find their own personal interest in the broad variety of topics these areas offer.
Specifically, the first half of the course is devoted primarily to excavating the historical, theoretical, and conceptual components of cyber and information operations. The second half of the course then focuses on particular case studies of both state and non-state actors – how they conceptualize, plan, integrate, and exploit varying cyber-enabled means to advance their political objectives. The highlight of the course will be the SIMULATION EXERCISE; the “game” will focus on the use of cyber strategic interactions and political decision-making in a crisis situation.
Dr Michael Raska is currently Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Military Transformations Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. His research interests focus on defense and military innovation, the effects of emerging technologies and open source-based intelligence assessments on emerging threats.
Download Syllabus

Issues in nuclear security policy
2023-07-13 08:00 - 17:00
Prof. Dr. MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU
MEF University
Spring 2023
This course introduces undergraduate students of Political Science and International Relations to the existing and emerging threats posed to International Security by Nuclear Weapons and their proliferation. Core topics of this seminar include the proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and their delivery vehicles, the current status of the nuclear Non-proliferation regime, military and political implications of Iran’s nuclear program for the Middle East; India’s and Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and many more questions regarding Nuclear Security topics.
This course is supported by “The Stanton Foundation”, created by Dr. Frank Stanton, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA with a grant offered to Prof. Kibaroğlu in 2015 as part of its “Course Development Program” in the field of Nuclear Security Studies.

Level: Undergraduate
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Fundamentals of Arms Control
2023-07-15 08:00 - 17:00
James W. Davis
Fundamentals of Arms Control
University of St. Gallen
Spring 2023
This lecture provides an overview about key literature of late 20th-century arms control, aiming to establish a profound understanding of fundamental ideas and strategies that advanced arms control efforts between adversarial nations during the Cold War. Subsequently, the lecture shifts focus to the contemporary challenges facing arms control in the early 21st century, stemming from the declining commitment of states to this discipline. Since students of this course aim to follow a career in practice, the readings are a mix of academic and more policy-oriented articles.

Level: Postgraduate
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Biodefense Strategy
2023-08-31 08:00 - 17:00
Gregory D. Koblentz – George Mason University
Fall 2023
This lecture introduces students to the most important literature on biodefense that has emerged in recent years. It combines a variety of literary works in the fields of social sciences, global health security and nonproliferation in order to facilitate a contemporary approach to biological warfare and its health hazards, as well as its security implications.
Gregory D. Koblentz is an associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and a member of the Scientist Working Group on Biological and Chemical Security at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington, DC.
Level: Undergraduate
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