№ 14 (62), 2026. Today PIR Center is turning 32!

MOSCOW. APRIL 30, 2026. PIR PRESS. «Today PIR Center is turning 32. For Russian non-profit organizations, this stands for an almost remarkable span of time. Still, there is no need to speculate about what is probable or improbable. We are commemorating our 32nd birthday by continuing our work and implementing various practical initiatives», – Dr. Vladimir Orlov, PIR Center Founding Director.   

These days PIR Center, founded on 30 April 1994 in Moscow, is a leading institution in analysis and education on international security issues, first and foremost, in the field of nuclear nonproliferation.

“Today, on the occasion of PIR Center’s birthday, I would like to highlight three recent developments”, – says Dr. Vladimir Orlov.

The first one relates to our applied research projects. Many still recall our mega-bestseller “A New Nuclear Nine?” Yet, three years have passed since that high-profile report was published. Over this period, some states have already fired their shots, while others have begun thinking about developing their own nuclear bombs deep underground or advocating the extension of a nuclear umbrella over them. Our new report “A New Nuclear Dozen? The Prospects for the Spread of Nuclear Weapons in the Medium Term Perspective” deals with this very issue. The report is now being prepared for publication, and we are discussing its draft with government agencies and the expert community. Together with Mr. Sergey Semenov, my colleague from PIR Center and co‑author of this report, we present its main findings in the latest issue of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, in the article “You wouldn’t even dream it: A New Nuclear Dozen. Why States No Longer Worry About the NPT and Have Come to Embrace Nuclear Weapons – and What Can Be Done with that?”  Readers will receive the latest issue of this magazine, along with our article, on 1 May.

The second development, Dr. Orlov continues, deals with our series of educational and training projects. Yesterday we opened the competition for our prestigious International School on Global Security, which will take place from 23 June to 15 July, with an in‑person session from 6 to 9 July in Zvenigorod, an hour drive from Moscow.  PIR Center’s International School on Global Security, established in 2000, continues to uphold core traditions and continuity. In July we will hold it for the 24th time. The School-2026 will retain key features of the previous sessions – particularly its in‑depth, intensive interaction with Russia’s leading experts in the historic town of Zvenigorod, on the banks of the Moskva River – while introducing a fundamentally new format. The program will be significantly more interactive than during the previous sessions, featuring more dynamism, and a stronger reflection of current realities. PIR Center International Schools on Global Security have always been highly competitive and highly rewarding. They remain a source of lifelong memories”, claims Dr. Orlov.  Further details on the competition are available at: https://pircenter.org/xxiv-is-pir-center/, and on the School at: https://pircenter.org/pir-school/

The third development deals with staffing. On the eve of PIR Center’s birthday Dr. Vladimir Orlov appointed Ms. Alexandra Zubenko as the Deputy Director of the organization. Ms. Zubenko’s portfolio will focus on PIR Center’s strategic and partnerships development, working closely with the Director of PIR Center. She will also be responsible for organizing flagship events, including the 2026 International Summer School on Global Security in Zvenigorod; overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Trialogue Club International in her role as Executive Secretary; and leading several special projects. “It is especially rewarding to see Alexandra as part of the PIR Alumni Community – an alumna of our educational programs who has grown through every stage of PIR Center’s career path, from intern and trainee to Research Fellow, and now to Deputy Director.” – mentions Dr. Vladimir Orlov.

For more on the history and achievements of PIR Center, see here: https://pircenter.org/en/about-us/pir-anniversaries/pir-center-s-30th-anniversary/. The founder of PIR Center also strongly recommends visiting the organization’s virtual museum on 30 April: https://pircenter.org/en/about-us/pir-center-virtual-museum/.

Keywords: PIR Center

Alumni

E16/SHAH – 26/04/30