Deep START: The Future of U.S.-Russian Arms Control

Aug. 1, 2020, 12:00pm-Aug. 2, 2020, 2:00pm (registration required)
Online

Join the Negotiation Task Force at Harvard University's Davis Center for a negotiations simulation on the future of U.S.-Russian arms control. 

The scenario:

The year is 2025 and U.S.-Russian relations have reached a new low. Russia remains under U.S. sanctions for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its interference in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections. The conflict in Ukraine remains frozen, and Washington and Moscow blame each other for the inability to reach a negotiated settlement. U.S. and Russian negotiators must come together in this tense environment to negotiate the most important arms control treaty in recent history known as “Deep START,” which covers issues of missile defense, verification, and a range of emerging technologies.

The delegations comprise negotiators from the United States and the Russian Federation. In addition, to addressing the landmark deal on the table, these negotiators must also consider how this deal will fit into the international strategic context.
 
"Deep START" will take place online on Saturday, August 1, 12pm - 4pm EDT and on Sunday, August 2, 10am - 2pm EDT through Zoom. Over the two days, participants will be working on a problem set that will allow them to engage with other negotiators through email, videoconferencing and phone. They will have opportunity to "move" throughout the virtual space and breaks will be provided. The event will include both negotiations and a debrief. They will also be given the opportunity to conduct “informal negotiations” between 4pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday via email or phone; participation in this informal phase is optional for all participants.
 
In addition to the Saturday/Sunday event, participants will be required to a) either attend a 60-min exercise introductory meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 5:30 - 6:30pm EDT through Zoom or watch a recording of this preparatory session; and b) spend 90 - 120 mins reading over the exercise materials (provided via email) in advance of the event.

Spots are limited and participants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please fill out this registration form by July 26 to apply. Accepted candidates will be offered a spot in this program with the submission of their $25 entry fee. Payment instructions will be emailed to successful applicants.

Speakers:

Arvid Bell, director, Negotiation Task Force, Harvard University

Mariana Budjeryn, research associate, Project on Managing the Atom, Harvard Kennedy School