Why ACONA?
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.
Why now?
The post-World War II security architecture is disintegrating. The 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, and the 1990 Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty all have collapsed. The U.S. has withdrawn from the Open Skies Treaty, and Russia from “New START.”
For the first time since the 1960s, we are facing a world without a single arms control agreement.
Participants of the 2019 European Negotiation Boot camp in Iceland. Source: Negotiation Task Force.
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 attend three negotiation boot camps, earn a Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation, and become part of the ACONA network of next-generation arms control negotiators.
See Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General of Disarmament Affairs, address ACONA Fellows about the importance of ACONA's mission.
Why Iceland?
Iceland lies at the center of the arms control debate and is exemplary in its support of international peace and security initiatives. The country has served as a neutral meeting place for some of the most important historic achievements in global diplomacy. Presidents Gorbachev and Reagan met in Reykjavík in 1986 for productive talks that led to the signing of the INF Treaty.
Recognizing Iceland as a active player in international security, the Arms Control Negotiation Academy has chosen Reykjavík as the convening space for the ACONA boot camps.
Presidents Gorbachev and Reagan in Höfði House. October 11, 1986. Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.