Сoalitions In The NPT Review Process Were Discussed At The PIR Center Midweek Brainstorming Session

MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 30, 2021. PIR PRESS. «The NPT Review Process has revealed a trend towards a stronger role for coalitions and interest groups. Each of them is a unique organism that no longer follows the foreign policy interests of the larger players but forms its own ambitions and claims to the international nonproliferation regime. In recent years, the practice of establishing such clusters has made consensus-building much more difficult, while the parties to the 2015 Review Conference were unable to agree on a substantive final document. On the threshold of the X NPT Review Conference, this study is intended to answer the key question: how much a coalition can contribute to the convergence of the positions of the nuclear and non-nuclear states on all basic pillars of the NPT», — Konstantin Larionov, a graduate of PIR Center Internship Program, student of the Dual Degree M.A. Program in Nonpoliferation Studies developed jointly by MGIMO University, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, US (MIIS), and PIR Center.

On November 18, PIR Center held the new Midweek Brainstorming session on the topic«Coalitions within the NPT Review Process: historical background and prospects of the X NPT Review Conference». Konstantin Larionov, student of the Dual Degree M.A. Program Global Security, Nuclear Policy, WMD Nonproliferation (MGIMO University, MIIS, and PIR Center) presented for further discussion his report prepared within the internship at PIR Center.

Konstantin Larionov highlighted general positions and interests of coalitions in the NPT Review Process at his presentation. The background of the participation of each of the coalitions in previous NPT Review Conferences was traced, as the relevant positions of the coalitions in the current NPT Review Cycle were discussed. The report concluded with several recommendations for Russia to develop its cooperation with coalitions in the framework of the upcoming X NPT Review Conference scheduled for January 2022.

This topic aroused the interest of the audience. The participants discussed the role of individual coalitions in the NPT Review Conference, the interrelationships of their positions, the relations of coalitions with members of the Nuclear Five, the prospects for the upcoming X NPT Review Conference. Among the participants of the Midweek Brainstorming session were Grigory Berdennikov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Vladimir Kuchinov, a Member of PIR Center Advisory Board, Ekaterina Mikhailenko, an Associate Professor of Ural Federal University (UrFU), Vera Gavrilova, an Associate Professor of Novosibirsk State Technical University, Elena Tsyvkunova, Associate Professor of MEPhI , as well as junior research fellows from PIR Center and young experts on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament from Moscow and regional universities of Russia.

Some participants shared their feedback.

«For me, PIR Center events are not something new, because I try to attend all the meetings from the seminar at the XIII RISA Convention. Earlier, I was just a listener and beholder of the International Timerbaev Nuclear Debates, but this event was special for me because I was able to feel equal among all participants: from distinguished experts and diplomats to motivated students comprehending the science of nuclear nonproliferation. During the meeting on «Coalitions within the NPT Review Process: historical background and prospects of the X NPT Review Conference» I had an opportunity to participate in a discussion on such a topical issue and to feel involved in the maintenance of international peace. I would like to thank all the staff of PIR Center for organizing this discussion because I put stepping stones towards a career in nuclear nonproliferation after every meeting!» — Danil Khryapin, Deputy President of International Security Club of MGIMO University, Club’s nuclear nonproliferation section coordinator.

«I listened with interest to Konstantin Larionov’s report «Coalitions within the NPT Review Process: historical background and prospects of the X NPT Review Conference». While the report was predominantly descriptive, a historical review of the evolution of particular coalitions and groups within the Review Process was particularly insightful, as was the analysis of the Stockholm Initiative and the step-by-step approach to disarmament. The attempt to analyze the objectives of the proponents of the humanitarian initiative was also positive. Provided that its proponents are able to speak with one voice, it is precisely this coalition who will likely be juxtaposing their arguments with the nuclear states’ approach to nonproliferation and raise the issue of compliance with obligations under NPT’s 6th article», — Larisa Saveleva, PIR Center trainee, post-graduate student of Defense University, Stockholm, Sweden.