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What is nonproliferation?

Nonproliferation refers to the attempt to limit the spread of chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear weapons (also known as CBRN or WMD, weapons of mass destruction), as well as their delivery vehicles. Nonproliferation is often discussed in connection with arms control and disarmament, as the three issues are interlinked.

Why nonproliferation?

The Middlebury in DC space houses the DC office of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), which is the largest NGO in the United States focused exclusively on research and education related to nonproliferation issues. As nuclear weapons remain a threat to global security, nonproliferation is one tool which can reduce the threat of nuclear weapons and lead towards a world without nuclear weapons.

Resources to learn more about nonproliferation, arms control, and disarmament:

• CNS has developed a series of educational resources for the Nuclear Threat Initiative, available on their website. Those resources include:
  • on a broad range of topics in nonproliferation, from the U.S. nuclear budget to chemical weapons nonproliferation.
  • A of common terms in nonproliferation and disarmament 
  • of the weapons programs and nonproliferation challenges for over 40 countries
• is a comprehensive website developed and maintained by Jamie Withorne, a former CNS staffer, with a wide range of educational and career development resources available.

Scholarships, Fellowships, and other opportunities for students in the nonproliferation field:

The following are just a few of the many opportunities available. Fellowships listed are aimed primarily at current undergraduate students and/or recent graduates. Scholarships listed are primarily aimed at funding graduate studies.

• • For current undergraduate students
• • For graduating seniors and recent graduates (graduated within one year of the program)
• • For recent college graduates and graduate school alumni (early career)
• • No specific eligibility requirements, but current fellows include current students and recent graduates
• • For current graduate students
•  (Stanford University)
  • Funding for graduate studies at Stanford
• • Students aged 18 to 24
• • For current students and recent graduates

Resources for underrepresented communities in the nonproliferation field:

• CNS’s provides resources on nonproliferation and disarmament on its website, conducts events at US colleges and universities, and provides mentorship for young women in the field.
• Graduates in Security maintains a page on with resources for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ people in the broader security field.
• provides funding for a two-year masters program, provides two summer internships, and a pathway into the U.S. foreign service (a 5 year service commitment is expected if awarded the fellowship)
• provides scholarships for women in the nuclear field pursuing masters degrees, as well as an internship facilitated by the IAEA
• provides mentorship and career development opportunities for young women in the nuclear field.
•  provides many resources for women of color in the broader security field, including a.