The independent resource on global security

Mapping Non-proliferation and Disarmament Education in Europe

eunpdc_no_69
September 2020
Stockholm
SIPRI

This paper maps activities undertaken to educate the next generation of Europeans on non-proliferation and disarmament-related topics with a view to training future scholars and professionals, excluding capacity-building efforts. Most members of the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks conduct informal and formal educational activities, ranging from courses for students to workshops for young professionals, internships, networking events and mentoring programmes. However, the geographic distribution and dominant political science focus of these efforts illustrate the lack of accessibility and multidisciplinarity of non-proliferation and disarmament education currently available in Europe. Treating education as empowerment rather than a one-way process of recruitment can facilitate the introduction of new approaches and tools. Education can tap into existing potential among the next generation, such as intercultural competencies, multilingualism or technical know-how. Forms of participatory learning and autonomous project work place more responsibility on the learner to develop the skills required to deal with tasks. 

Table of contents

I. Introduction

II. Conceptualizing non-proliferation and disarmament education

III. Non-proliferation and disarmament education in Europe

IV. Mapping educational activities by members of the European network of non-proliferation and disarmament

V. Educating the next generation

VI. Conclusions and recommendations

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)/EDITORS

Elizabeth I-Mi Suh (Germany) is a research fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, an associate PhD fellow at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Studies at the University of Hamburg and a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.