Dedicated to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and reducing the risk of their use.

Updated: Nov 5, 2012

CNS Middle East Next Generation Initiative

The CNS Middle East Next Generation Initiative seeks to build arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament capacity in the Middle East through training the next generation of Middle East experts and engaging them in an ongoing unofficial dialogue ("Track 2") focusing on these issues.

As the older generation of officials in the region is retiring or being pushed aside in the course of numerous national upheavals, younger figures will be brought forward to fill foreign policy and national security posts. They will also become influential governmental advisors, parliamentarians, academics, and thought leaders in their home states. Few, however, have any background in arms control and nonproliferation.

Identifying specialists in their 20s and 30s in the Middle East who seek to assume responsibilities in this crucial arena has, however, presented great challenges. Possible reasons are the lack of technology and science-based education in the region, as well as the lack of knowledge of and, in some cases, interest in the topic. Additionally, many young people in the region identify issues related to foreign policy, domestic security, and national security with the old guard. Fostering among the younger generation a level of energy and passion for security and foreign policy issues similar to what they have exhibited for pursuing good governance and economic and social reform is crucial to promoting arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation in the region.

CNS engagement of young specialists through training and participation in on-going Track 2 process plays a crucial role in this process:

• Empowering the younger generation and facilitating engagement between experienced and up-and-coming experts is one of the most effective steps that we can take to enlist and train younger actors in promoting arms control and nonproliferation.
• If the current discourse on arms control and nonproliferation in the region is to move from zero-sum bargaining toward a more cooperative security dialogue, it will be essential that younger players be exposed to these issues and get exceptional training. Through this initiative, young specialists (some from countries that are in conflict with each other) also begin relationships and start dialogues among themselves on arms control and nonproliferation issues.
• Because the young specialists are part of a broader attempt to change the landscape of the region, they, in turn, inform the current track-two discussions and bring broader representation, fresh ideas, and new enthusiasm.

The CNS Middle East Next Generation Initiative has taken an important first step toward this goal and hopes to continue this important work during this period of great turbulence, but also great promise in the Middle East.