On 4 December 2024, Federica Dall’Arche, Senior Research Associate at the VCDNP, and Paola Tessari, Senior Research Fellow at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), joined professor Erzsébet N. Rózsa and the faculty of the Ludovika University of Public Service at a public event aimed at engaging students and young scholars to raise awareness of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament issues. The event was organised in cooperation with the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics in Budapest.
During the first panel discussion, Ms. Dall’Arche and Ms. Tessari shared their experience as researchers and professionals in the field of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament. They also introduced the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) – a group of six European research organisations, including the VCDNP and IAI – and the opportunities it offers to young professionals. Among these is the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative, an effort of the EUNPDC to encourage young women and the next generation to enter the non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament field.
The discussion, titled “Weapons Proliferation at Land and at Sea”, saw the participation of current and former EUNPDC interns as well as faculty members of the Ludovika University of Public Service:
Gyula Speck, Assistant Lecturer and former EUNPDC intern, examined how Afghanistan's enduring state fragility has facilitated the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), highlighting the complex interplay between weak governance and uncontrolled SALW flows and the need for tailored approaches to address such challenges. The presentation was based on the recent EUNPDC publication: SALW Proliferation and State Fragility.
Virág Novák-Varró, Assistant Lecturer, focused on the threats posed by landmines, using Afghanistan as a case study to illustrate their devastating impact. The presentation emphasised the importance of raising awareness through community engagement while stressing the need for innovative approaches. Ms. Novak-Varro highlighted that certain existing methods have inadvertently exposed especially children to greater risks. She stressed the importance of reformulating military strategies to ensure the protection of civilians. She also advocated for tailored games and exercises designed to teach children how to recognise and avoid landmines.
András Bartók, Associate Lecturer and current EUNPDC intern, focused on weapons proliferation in the 21st century within the naval domain, shedding light on its implications for global security. The presentation emphasised the evolving nature of maritime threats, including the challenges posed by advanced weapons technologies and the increased accessibility of naval armaments. Mr. Bartók highlighted the need for enhanced international cooperation and robust regulatory frameworks to curb proliferation, while also addressing gaps in existing approaches to ensure that they effectively tackle emerging risks in the maritime sphere.
The panel discussion sparked a great level of curiosity among students, who asked questions, demonstrating a genuine interest to learn more.
Both panels were moderated by Erzsébet N. Rózsa, Professor at Ludovika University andAdvisor at the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics.
The visit was organised in the framework of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative. The YWNGI, an effort of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, is possible thanks to the generous support of theEuropean Union. The VCDNP and IAI thank the HUN-REN CERS Institute of World Economics and the Ludovika University of Public Service for hosting this event.
