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. Six institutions from the United States, 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 earn a Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation and become part of ACONA’s network of next-generation arms control negotiators.
Program
ACONA Fellows partake in three 5-day workshops (“boot camps”) to attend expert lectures, participate in negotiation exercises, and engage in small group discussions with distinguished scholars and practitioners. 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.
- Fellowship Term: July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022
- 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*
ACONA Fellows are required to participate in all boot camps, actively engage in discussions, 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 to and accommodation at the boot camps. Given COVID-19, the first boot camp will be virtually held. It is our goal to hold at least one of three boot camps in person in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Eligibility
ACONA welcomes applications by highly qualified candidates of all nationalities who demonstrate 3–5 years of advanced professional or research experience in one of the following broad fields: (1) arms control and nuclear issues, (2) negotiation and mediation, and (3) international peace, security, and global affairs, particularly U.S.-Russia-China-EU relations. The most highly qualified candidates will be able to demonstrate several years of professional or research experience in their field, international experience, an advanced degree, and public recognition of their achievements.
Application
To apply, please send the following documents to acona@fas.harvard.edu by Sunday, May 2, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EDT (Monday, May 3, 2021, 03:59 a.m. UTC):
- Motivation letter (see ACONA website for letter requirements);
- CV or resume that reflects relevant experience; and
- 1 recommendation letter that highlights exceptional relevant work.
Both the 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 by the applicant. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance in early June 2021. For more information, please visit www.acona.fas.harvard.edu.
Partners
ACONA is a collaborative effort of the Negotiation Task Force (NTF) of Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies; the History and Public Policy Program (HAPP) at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Höfði Reykjavík Peace Centre; National Research University—Higher School of Economics (HSE); Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO); and Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF).
Contact
Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA)
Negotiation Task Force (NTF)
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
Harvard University
1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Web: www.acona.fas.harvard.edu
Email: acona@fas.harvard.edu
Phone: +1 (617) 496-2180
