Spring 2023 Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Short Course

The VCDNP held its regular, intensive short course on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament for policymakers and practitioners from 20 to 24 March 2023. The course welcomed participants from 25 countries, 18 participants from developing countries. Of the participants, 52% were women. Among the topics covered during the course were the nuclear fuel cycle, the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the history of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the evolution of its safeguards system, relevant international regimes, regional case studies, and the nexus between nuclear security and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

During a public webinar and subsequent closed‑door discussion, the participants discussed international norms, the “nuclear taboo” and the risk of use of nuclear weapons with the Dr. Nina Tannenwald of Brown University. They were also able to discuss pressing issues in the non‑proliferation and disarmament—in particular “Vienna issues”—during  a roundtable with Vienna-based ambassadors. Speakers included Ambassador Alexander Kmentt (Austria), Ambassador Li Song (China) and Ambassador Mohamed Elmolla (Egypt). In addition, a panel of alumni from previous VCDNP courses joined for an informal discussion on individuals’ experiences working on nuclear issues, allowing the participants an opportunity to network with other officials in the field.

Participants also visited the headquarters of the IAEA and the Comprehensive Nuclear‑Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). As part of the visit, they observed different mechanisms and equipment to monitor the occurrence of nuclear explosions worldwide.

Some of the course sessions addressed:

• The history of the NPT and its review process, as well as nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties, by VCDNP Director of the International Organizations and Non-Proliferation Programme Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova;
• An overview of the history and development of IAEA safeguards, and a detailed explanation of safeguards non‑compliance by Laura Rockwood, VCDNP Non‑Resident Senior Fellow and former Section Head for Non-Proliferation and Policy Making in the IAEA’s Office of Legal Affairs;
• A discussion of the implementation of IAEA safeguards by Nuclear Safeguards Inspector Ania Kim Kaminski, as well as nuclear fuel cycle fundamentals by IAEA Team Leader for Analytical Services Marc Humphrey.
• An explanation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its verification system by Mohammad Daryaei from the CTBTO.
• The challenges, mechanisms and implementation of nuclear security by VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova and the nexus with the peaceful uses of nuclear energy by the Senior Research Associate Ingrid Kirsten.
• The overview of the status of nuclear weapons around the world and prospects for nuclear arms control by VCDNP Senior Fellow Nikolai Sokov.

In an anonymous survey, 100% of participants considered that the contribution of the course to their knowledge and understanding of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issues was good or excellent. They noted appreciation of how the course explored the history of the different regimes and treaties that were covered during the course. Many participants highlighted that they were pleased with the high level of expertise of the lecturers during the course.

Some testimonials from the participants after completing the course are below (quoted as written).

“The course was very beneficial to my expertise as a disarmament officer and someone passionate in peace and security. The context was enriching.” 

“Although very intense, this was a very well-structured programme which covered the most important topics of non-proliferation and nuclear regimes.”

“This course has motivated me to get more involved in these issues in my country, I will try to bring awareness to my organization of some of the topics discussed."

See the course agenda

The VCDNP extends its thanks to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for its generous support of this short course.