Nuclear threats are rising. Russia’s recent announcement that it plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus is just the latest reminder of this worrying trend. Talented people are needed to address these growing nuclear challenges.
To this end, the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR), a non-profit, non-partisan organization working to developing achievable nuclear weapons risk reduction measures is committed to mentoring—and learning from—potential future leaders in this field of work.
CSR is announcing a continuation of its Early-Career Fellowship for Reducing Nuclear Weapons Risks. Through this six-month program, early-career professionals will work with leading experts from CSR’s team and network to develop a better understanding of practical risk reduction concepts and to generate new ideas regarding:
- Nuclear strategic stability
- Strengthening norms against nuclear weapons threats and use
- Avoiding miscalculations and preventing accidents/incidents
- Preventing and addressing nuclear proliferation
- Responsibilities of nuclear weapons-capable states
These efforts will be grounded in CSR’s strategic vision to reduce risk by strengthening strategic stability, advancing measures of restraint and responsibility, and decreasing the reliance on these weapons over time.
Through mentorship and exchanges of ideas with key leaders in the field, the CSR team will facilitate the Fellows in exploring wide-ranging ideas to achieve this risk reduction. The Fellowship will help develop participants as future thought leaders and problem-solvers who are prepared to make a difference on a global scale.
Fellows will participate in monthly research and meetings with nuclear weapons experts. Activities will also include an experiential learning trip focused on the technical side of the nuclear weapons enterprise.
Eligibility
This early-career track Fellowship is open to applicants who have a significant interest in addressing nuclear weapons issues. Fellows must be citizens of a NATO member nation, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or the Republic of South Korea. [See note]
Location & Travel
Aside from the experiential learning trip, monthly meetings will be held remotely. Fellows may work from any geographic location with strong internet access for conducting video conferences. Fellows must commit to attending all sessions, which may occur during normal working hours. Travel costs within the United States for the Fellowship trip will be covered by CSR.
Duration
The Fellowship duration is six months, beginning July 1, 2023.
Requirements and Benefits
The Fellowship activities will require approximately 15-20 hours per month, including 2-hour monthly meetings. Some of this time may be during normal work hours. The Fellowship trip will require 1-2 full days plus travel time. Each Fellow will receive an honorarium of USD $500 per month.
Application Instructions
All applicants should complete the application form and upload:
- A resume and cover letter (single PDF). In your cover letter, please suggest two individuals who we may contact for recommendations.
- A short, single-author, original writing sample under 500 words, which focuses on a nuclear weapons related topic that you find to be of particular importance.
CSR may conduct telephone interviews with a small number of applicants in finalizing the selection of Fellows.
Applications are due by 5:00pm EDT on Monday June 5, 2023.
[Note] This selection of nations is not intended to infer that valuable contributions are limited to individuals of any nation. Rather, it is shaped by the specific nature of this fellowship and the need to accommodate practical considerations, including interactions with officials of the U.S. and other governments.
About the Council on Strategic Risks:
The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) is a nonprofit, non-partisan security policy institute devoted to anticipating, analyzing, and addressing core systemic risks to security in the 21st Century, with special examination of the ways in which these risks intersect and exacerbate one another. Its team members, advisors, and Board have experience in some of the highest U.S. government leadership positions concerning nuclear weapons and policy. They hold deep ties to the nuclear weapons enterprise and have extensive global networks. This Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of Longview Philanthropy.
Project Leads:
Christine Parthemore
Chief Executive Officer, Council on Strategic Risks
Director, Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons
The Honorable Andy Weber
Senior Fellow
Council on Strategic Risks
Captain John Moulton (USN, Ret.)
Deputy Director, Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons
Senior Fellow, Council on Strategic Risks