Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA) Fellowship Grant

The Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA) Fellowship is a prestigious 12-month program aimed at equipping emerging international security experts with critical negotiation skills and knowledge in arms control. Participants engage in immersive training, collaborate on innovative research, and earn a Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation. This fellowship emphasizes inclusivity, inviting candidates from diverse backgrounds to tackle global security challenges, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. ACONA aims to foster a new generation of proficient negotiators in arms control.

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 in history, the Arms Control Negotiation Academy asks 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.
Curriculum
ACONA Fellows will hone their negotiation techniques through immersive exercises; study arms control topics with preeminent experts; conduct joint research on pressing international security issues; and develop professional and interpersonal networks. The Fellowship covers the cost of travel and accommodation at three immersive workshops (“boot camps”).
History, Technology, Negotiation: Experienced scholars and practitioners will meet with ACONA Fellows and discuss the history and politics of arms control, new technological challenges, and crucial negotiation skills and techniques.Immersive ​Training: Each boot camp will include an immersive training exercise that enables ACONA Fellows to hone their negotiation skills in an international security scenario.Collaborative Research: ACONA Fellows will collaborate outside the boot camps on an innovative research project on arms control negotiation. Fellows will collaborate in ways that are complementary in terms of their interests and expertise. ACONA partners will disseminate the findings through their networks to impact the ongoing arms control debate.

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: arms control and nuclear issues, negotiation and mediation, and 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.ACONA will consider applications from emerging professionals, including advanced PhD candidates, however, the strongest applicants will have several years of relevant work experience in their field.English-language fluency is required.