№ 24 (82), 2025. The seventh cohort of students graduated from the International Dual Degree MA Program “Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation”

МOSCOW. JULY 8, 2025. PIR PRESS. «MGIMO, Middlebury, and PIR Center MA program truly made us specialists in the field of WMD nonproliferation and disarmament. Additionally, I would note that the program continues to be highly modern and adapts to the changing landscape of international threats. The program provides knowledge, tools, and various approaches to analyze current issues in nonproliferation and disarmament», – Mr. Spencer Erjavik (the U.S.), Graduate of Dual Degree MA Program “Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation”.

The seventh cohort of students graduated from the International Dual Degree MA Program Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation. This program is implemented in cooperation with three reputable scientific and educational centers of Russia and the U.S.: MGIMO University, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), California, the U.S., and PIR Center.

The concluding testing for the students was the final examination at MGIMO University and defense of their master’s theses. The State Examination Committee included: Prof. Anatoly Antonov, MGIMO University Professor, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. (2017 – 2024); Prof. Oleg Ivanov, Professor of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia; Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Founding Director of PIR Center, MGIMO University Professor, Academic Director of MA Program Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation since its establishment; Prof. Tatiana Shakleina, MGIMO University Professor; Dr. Marina Strezhneva, Chief Research Fellow at IMEMO RAS; Dr. Anna Velikaya, Senior Researcher at IMEMO RAS.

All of students received high marks, while the Examination Committee noted their high level of knowledge. Students’ theses focused on the most pressing issues of international security. For some of the students, developments in international relations in recent months – and sometimes even days have tested their own research. Among the topics covered in the graduate theses were: “Beyond the Bilateral: Retrospective Analysis of the Issue of British and French Nuclear Arsenals Offset in the US-Russian Strategic Stability Dialogue”; “Compartmentalization in U.S.-Soviet and U.S.-Russian Arms Control Agreements”; “Strategic Stability Amid Uncertainty: Flexible Paths for U.S.-Russia Arms Control”; “Foregone Conclusion? The Interactions Between Global Actions and the Iranian Nuclear Program”; “U.S. Congressional Support for or Opposition to Disarmament, Nonproliferation, and Peaceful Uses: A Case Study of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy”.

Despite the hardships, all five students, who began their studies in Moscow in 2023 and continued then in California, have become masters in the fields of international relations, global security, nonproliferation and terrorism. After successfully completing their studies, the graduates received diplomas from both MGIMO University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Among them are: Mr. Spencer Erjavic (the U.S.); Mr. Linus Benjamin Höller (Austria); Ms. Jessica Heleonora Martin (the U.S. & Brazil); Ms. Grace Smith (the U.S.); Ms. Aleksandra Zubenko (Russia).

The graduates expressed their gratitude to the professors, their academic supervisors as well as appreciated PIR Center, MGIMO University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey for the acquired knowledge, interesting classes and the opportunities that have now opened up for them.

MGIMO, Middlebury, and PIR Center MA program truly made us specialists in the field of WMD nonproliferation and disarmament. Additionally, I would note that the program continues to be highly modern and adapts to the changing landscape of international threats. The program provides knowledge, tools, and various approaches to analyze current issues in nonproliferation and disarmament.

Spencer Erjavic

The program has been an incredible addition to my educational career and has broadened my worldview in ways I did not and could not have expected before starting. Much of this is thanks to PIR Center’s commitment to the program’s success. The classes on the Russian side were among the most interesting and best I have ever taken. I continue to tell my connections about the unique list of speakers and the valuable, substantive content of the courses. For this, I am extremely grateful.

Linus Benjamin Höller

It has been a pleasure getting both perspectives in arms control and learning from the experts in the field.

Jessica Martin

I am grateful for PIR Center’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, even amidst the broader tensions in bilateral relations. I deeply appreciate PIR Center’s, MGIMO’s and MIIS’ leadership and vision in guiding us through these challenging times.

Grace Smith

I would like to thank the PIR Center, MGIMO, and MIIS for their efforts in creating and developing this program and for the unique success in its implementation despite challenges of various character. This program has truly become a professional springboard and a platform for critical reflection on contemporary international issues. Special thanks for the choice of location — Monterey Bay is unforgettable — as one song says, “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”. I very much hope that this program will be resumed in the future and offer opportunities to a new cohort of students.

Aleksandra Zubenko

This program is a part of English-language Master’s Program International Relations (implemented by MGIMO University) since 2023.

Below is a collection of some of the most remarkable photos of students during their studies in MA Program Global Security, Nuclear Policy, and WMD Nonproliferation.

Keywords: Dual Degree; Global Security; Education

DD

E16/AST – 25/07/08