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PIR PRESS NEWS
Students of the fourth cohort of the dual degree master program WMD Nonproliferation, Nuclear Policy and Global Security, which is run jointly by The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and PIR Center, started their studies at MGIMO University in September.
Amb. Roland Timerbaev – a luminary in the field of nonproliferation, an undisputed authority, a great teacher and mentor – has passed away.
“Autonomous systems are gradually displacing humans from the battlefield, and in many aspects, this can be a boon to the military, who are exposed to less risk. However, at the same time, humans transfer to artificial intelligence (AI) a part of their powers, and consequently a part of their responsibility. According to experts, neural networks will probably never learn to explain their decisions to humans. This can become a serious problem once AI is involved in such areas as intelligence, data analysis, communications and control, scenario development, and in the long run decision making.” – Director of PIR Center’s Emerging Technologies and Global Security Project Vadim Kozyulin.
Dual Degree Program in Nonproliferation Studies
Global Development and WMD Nonproliferation – Your Personal Contribution
Why Nonproliferation?
Development of nuclear, chemical, biological and other technologies is considered as the key to sustainable development, limiting global warming, formation of scientific and technical elite, strengthening independence and status in the region, transition to the new league of world politics.
The growth of global trade and increasing availability of information on the Internet are making the technology, materials, and know-how for WMD more widely available. Due to advances in biotechnology and other areas, such as 3-D printing, people can find new ways of creating dangerous weapons. But the spread of technology and scientific know-how associated with nuclear energy can also pose proliferation challenges, which require effective international safeguards and security measures. In many regions of the world, traditional rivalries and ongoing conflicts could motivate states or terrorist groups to seek nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons.
These conditions create an urgent need to train new nonproliferation specialists around the world. In order to meet this challenge, three institutions have joined resources to create a unique international educational program in nonproliferation. It is designed to prepare students from around the world to pursue professional careers in the increasingly important field of WMD nonproliferation and global security.
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“There has never been a greater need for education in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation, especially with regard to weapons of mass destruction, but also in the field of small arms and international terrorism. Since the end of the cold war, changing concepts of security and threat have demanded new thinking. Such new thinking will arise from those who are educated and trained today” Report of the UN Secretary General “United Nations study on disarmament and non-proliferation education” (А/57/124) |
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The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and PIR Center have partnered to develop a Dual Degree in Nonproliferation Studies. This is a two-year program beginning in the fall semester. The program prepares students for professional careers combating the spread of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons in national governments, international organizations, academia, think tanks, and the private sector. The program is designed for students especially interested in nuclear energy, global development and security, WMD nonproliferation and U.S.-Russian relations. Interdisciplinary curriculum covers global security, history, science and technology, area studies, public policy, and research methods — with emphasis on practical skills. |
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Unique Program Structure Graduates are awarded two master’s degrees: one from MIIS with a degree in nonproliferation and terrorism studies (MANPTS) and the other from MGIMO with a degree in international affairs, with a specialization in WMD nonproliferation, nuclear policy, and global security. Students will take classes at MGIMO in Moscow in the fall semester of the first year. They will take classes at MIIS in Monterey in the second and third semesters. The fourth and final semester will be devoted to an internship and thesis preparation, with the student’s location determined on a case-by-case basis. The total workload of the program is 120 ECTS credits (60 U.S. credits), including classes and internships, as well as preparation and defense of a master’s thesis. All courses are delivered in English. However, native English speakers will also study Russian or another language. |
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MGIMO Russia’s best-known and most prestigious humanities and social sciences university |
MIIS A world leader in training nonproliferation specialists and social sciences university |
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PIR Center The leading Russian NGO in nonproliferation and arms control with many years of experience in nonproliferation education and research |
CNS James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) - the largest NGO in the U.S. devoted exclusively to research and training on nonproliferation issues |
Admission Requirements
The MIIS/MGIMO Dual Degree is open to applicants of all nationalities, including those with little or no professional experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants may apply in the same year they obtain their degree.
- Excellent academic records from previous studies, including a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution.
- Proficiency in English is required. Preferred minimum scores: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 (IBT) or equivalent.
- Proficiency in Russian is welcome but not required.
Tuition Fee and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition fee is 50 000 US dollars for 2 years.
MIIS offers scholarships, which in practice reduce the cost of tuition up to 50%. They are available for students of any citizenship.
Student loans sponsored by the U.S. government are available for U.S. citizens.
On the base of agreement between MGIMO and Sberbank, educational loans with state support are available for Russian citizens
Contact information
MIIS
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
460 Pierce St., Monterey, CA 93940 USA
Tel: +1 (831) 647 4166
info@miis.edu
MGIMO
76, Prospect Vernadskogo Moscow, Russia, 119454
Tel. +7 (495) 434-10-07
Coordinator of the program
Mr. Aleksei Dundich
e-mail: dundich@mgimo.ru
PIR Center
PO Box 147, Moscow, Russia, 119019
Tel: +7 (495) 987 1915, +7 (499) 940 0983
Director of PIR Center
Mr. Albert Zulkharneev
e-mail: zulkharneev@pircenter.org