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Updated: Mar 20, 2009

Monterey Institute Students Agree on Recommendations to the 2010 NPT Review Conference

Introduction

Twenty six Monterey Institute graduate students and Visiting Fellows at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) participated in the Fall 2008 Arms Control Simulation course, designed to simulate negotiations at the 2009 Preparatory Committee for the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The Arms Control Simulation course offers nonproliferation graduate students an interactive and unique way to apply their research experiences and implement their negotiation skills in a real world scenario. As such, participants develop a better understanding of real world negotiations pertinent to central nonproliferation challenges. In a field full of technical, legal and political complexities, this course provides students the opportunity to examine and understand various state party perspectives, and further develop their nonproliferation and disarmament expertise.

Participating students represented nations different from their own in political and cultural aspects in order to gain a fresh perspective and broaden their outlook. For instance, a Chinese diplomat who participated in the CNS Visiting Fellows program represented Russia; a student from Greece played the U.S. ambassador; a Korean student represented Ireland, and an American Navy officer simulated Iran's envoy. Each student assumed the roles of grunt researcher, policy strategist, and negotiator. A thorough understanding of their assigned state's policies and posture allowed the production of real-time and accurate national strategy papers, opening statements, conference working papers, as well as successful and realistic engagement in the negotiation process.

With the help of well known experts, such as present and former ambassadors, senior United Nations officials, and renowned academics, the students had insights into "behind the scenes" real-world negotiations and managed to develop a deeper understanding of issues related to the NPT and its strengthen review process. While some outside experts traveled to Monterey to participate in the course, innovative use of technology allowed others to attend, present, and advise from all over the world.

United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Sergio Duarte, officially opened the modeled Preparatory Committee via video link from New York. Several students delivered their opening statements in a UN language other than English, student colleagues from the school of translation and interpretation provided simultaneous interpretation. Ambassador Boniface Guwa Chidyausiki of Zimbabwe, the Chairman of the 2009 PrepCom visited Monterey during the simulation and chaired one of the negotiating session. This offered a unique opportunity for the class and the Chairman to share ideas on some of the most challenging issues, including the issue of withdrawal from the treaty.

Students received "instructions from capital" (sent by the course instructor, Professor Jean du Preez and actual ambassadors from state parties) that were at times difficult to implement. Participants were expected to defend their state's positions and use their diplomatic skills to convince others. This daunting task forced participants to think on their toes and be fully and realistically prepared at each session.

During the simulation, the students faced the same challenges that have made the actual NPT review process a demanding task even for the most experienced diplomats. Elaborating viable options, while balancing real-life multilateral obligations, alliances, and political pressures, provided the students with insights into the challenges facing NPT state party negotiators at the PrepCom and Review Conference. Moreover, the simulation demonstrated that although delegations came with differing perspectives on controversial issues, such as the Iranian nuclear program, negotiations of a FM(C)T, dealerting nuclear weapons, entry into force of the CTBT, etc. a common determination to achieve success is crucial to bridge the gaps between state parties and identify ways to reach consensus on how to deal with these challenging issues.

After countless late-night sessions, the simulated PrepCom managed to adopt a common set of recommendations, including an agenda for the 2010 Review Conference, proving that a compromise, and consequent final document, is possible at the 2009 PrepCom. The participants in the 2009 Simulation course are pleased to offer these recommendations as an input to NPT state party representatives as they prepare for the 2009 PrepCom.