Arms Control Negotiation Academy

2021-2022 Cohort

The world is facing new global security threats. Great power and regional tensions are on the rise. The post-World War II security architecture is disintegrating. In this crucial moment of history, six institutions from the U.S, Russia, and Europe join forces and ask the next generation of arms control negotiators to meet the security challenges of our time.

What is ACONA?

The Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA) is a 12-month, high-level professional development program for a competitively selected cohort of rising international security experts and practitioners. The ambitious training curriculum addresses critical historical case studies, technological know-how, and advanced negotiation skills in the realm of arms control. Participants will earn a Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation and become part of ACONA’s network of next-generation arms control negotiators.

ACONA Fellows are required to

1. participate in three immersive workshops (“boot camps”) over the course of twelve months,
2. actively engage in discussions with distinguished scholars and practitioners, and
3. collaborate with a small group of Fellows on an international research project and submit the results of that project by the end of their 12-month Fellowship. The Fellowship covers the cost of travel and accommodation at the three boot camps, the first of which will be held virtually on August 16-20, 2021.

ACONA Fellowship Term: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022

Dates:

• Applications Deadline: May 2, 2021
• Notification by: early June, 2021
• Boot Camp 1: August 16-20, 2021, Virtual
• Boot Camp 2: January 10-14, 2022, Host TBD*
• Boot Camp 3: May 9-13, 2022, Reykjavik, Iceland*
• Fellows will virtually collaborate on a joint research project throughout the fellowship term.

*The fellowship covers the cost of travel to and accommodation at the boot camps. Given COVID-19, the first boot camp will be held virtually. It is our goal to hold at least one of the three boot camps in person in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Eligibility

ACONA welcomes applications by highly qualified candidates who demonstrate 3-5 years of advanced professional or research experience in in one of the following broad fields: (1) arms control and nuclear issues, (2) negotiation and mediation, (3) international peace, security, and global affairs, particularly U.S.-Russia-China-EU relations. International experience, advanced degree(s), and public recognition of achievements desirable.

Application 

To apply, please send the following to acona@fas.harvard.edu by Sunday, May 2, 2021, 11:59pm EDT:

• Motivation letter (1-2 pages, see website for letter requirements)
• CV/resume (max. 5 pages) that reflects relevant experience
• Letter of recommendation that highlights exceptional relevant work

Both motivation letter and CV/resume should be attached to an email in PDF format and submitted to ACONA by the applicant. The recommendation letter must be submitted to ACONA by the recommender (not the applicant). Candidates will be notified of their acceptance in early June 2021. For more information, please visit http://www.acona.fas.harvard.edu/.

ACONA is a collaborative effort of the Negotiation Task Force of Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, the History and Public Policy Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Höfði Reykjavík Peace Centre, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.

Learn more and apply:

www.acona.fas.harvard.edu

The Arms Control Negotiation Academy

Negotiation Task Force, Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University

1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

acona@fas.harvard.edu | +1 (617) 496 2180