SIPRI Armament and Disarmament Summer School 2026
The SIPRI Armament and Disarmament Summer School offers an intensive program focused on critical issues in international security. Held in Solna, SWE, this event provides participants with an opportunity to engage with leading experts and delve into the complexities of armament trends, arms control, and disarmament efforts. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in maintaining global peace and stability.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
In an era marked by evolving geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements, understanding armament and disarmament is more crucial than ever. The proliferation of various weapon systems, from conventional arms to weapons of mass destruction, poses significant threats to international security. This summer school addresses these pressing concerns by examining the drivers of armament, the effectiveness of existing arms control regimes, and the prospects for future disarmament initiatives. It provides a platform for participants to analyze the roles of different actors, including states, international organizations, and non-state entities, in shaping the global security environment.
The discussions and analyses undertaken at this event are vital for anyone seeking to contribute to policy-making, research, or advocacy in the field of international relations. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the summer school aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between national security interests and collective security aspirations. The insights gained can inform strategies for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the promotion of a more secure world.
How to prepare
To maximize the benefit from the SIPRI Armament and Disarmament Summer School, participants should engage in preliminary research on key concepts such as the "Non-Proliferation Treaty" and "Arms Control Verification." Familiarity with the historical context of disarmament negotiations and the current state of global armaments will provide a strong foundation for the program's advanced discussions. Understanding the motivations behind various countries' armament policies, as well as the challenges in achieving multilateral disarmament agreements, will be particularly beneficial.
Participants should also consider the broader implications of armament and disarmament on international diplomacy and regional stability. Exploring topics like "Dynamic Analysis" and "Engagement Strategies" can help in understanding how different stakeholders approach these complex issues. Reflecting on the interplay between technological innovation, economic factors, and political will in shaping armament decisions will enable a more comprehensive engagement with the summer school's curriculum.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 4 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
United StatesA major global military power and proponent of non-proliferation, often balancing its own security interests with international arms control efforts.
Role in topic
The USA plays a central role in global armament and disarmament discussions, being a significant military spender and a key actor in nuclear non-proliferation treaties. Its policies often influence international arms control regimes and responses to proliferation challenges.
ChinaA rising military power with increasing defense spending, often emphasizing national sovereignty in its approach to arms control.
Role in topic
CHN's growing military capabilities and influence make its stance on armament and disarmament crucial. It participates in various arms control dialogues but often prioritizes its national development and security interests.
RussiaA significant military power with a large nuclear arsenal, often engaged in strategic arms limitation talks with the USA.
Role in topic
RUS is a key player in strategic arms control, particularly concerning nuclear weapons. Its military modernization efforts and geopolitical actions have a direct impact on global armament trends and disarmament efforts.
SwedenA non-aligned nation with a long history of promoting peace, disarmament, and humanitarian international law.
Role in topic
SWE, as the host country, has a strong tradition of advocating for disarmament and arms control. It often plays a constructive role in international forums, promoting multilateral approaches to global security challenges.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Global Armament Trends and the Return of Great-Power Military Buildup
Key players
- United States
Largest military spender and arms exporter, anchoring NATO and Indo-Pacific deterrence postures.
- China
Fastest-growing major military, modernizing nuclear, naval, and space forces.
- Russia
Wartime economy driving production surges; principal challenger to European security order.
GermanyLeading the European 'Zeitenwende' rearmament and special defense fund.
FranceNuclear-armed EU power and major exporter shaping European defense industrial policy.
IndiaTop global arms importer pivoting toward indigenous production and regional power projection.
Disarmament: The Eroding Architecture of Multilateral Restraint
Key players
- United States
Largest nuclear arsenal-holder and key party to the lapsing New START framework.
- Russia
Suspended New START participation; central to any future strategic arms regime.
- China
Rapidly expanding arsenal; resists trilateral arms control but key to future stability.
AustriaDiplomatic driver of the TPNW and humanitarian disarmament initiative.
JapanBridges nuclear-umbrella states and disarmament advocates through the NPDI.
South AfricaOnly state to have voluntarily dismantled a nuclear arsenal; influential NAM voice.
Non-Proliferation: Stress-Testing the NPT Regime
Key players
IranThreshold state whose enrichment program is the regime's most acute current challenge.
North KoreaOnly state to have withdrawn from the NPT and tested nuclear weapons in the 21st century.
- United States
Lead architect of sanctions regimes and the (suspended) JCPOA framework.
IsraelUndeclared nuclear-armed state outside the NPT; central to Middle East WMD-free zone debates.
Saudi ArabiaPotential proliferation cascade actor signaling conditional nuclear ambitions.
- Austria
Host of the IAEA and active diplomatic convenor on non-proliferation.
Arms Control: Rebuilding Verification in an Era of Emerging Technologies
Key players
- United States
Principal party to legacy bilateral regimes and lead in AI/space norm-setting initiatives.
- Russia
Has withdrawn from or suspended most major arms control instruments since 2019.
- China
Rising power resistant to bilateral constraints but engaged on AI and LAWS discussions.
United KingdomCo-leads REAIM and military-AI governance efforts alongside the Netherlands and ROK.
NetherlandsConvenor of the REAIM summit process on responsible military AI.
- Sweden
Host of SIPRI; influential neutral-tradition voice on verification and transparency research.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for SIPRI Armament and Disarmament Summer School 2026.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
SwedenCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
AustriaCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
South AfricaCountry dossier
IranCountry dossier
North KoreaCountry dossier
IsraelCountry dossier
Saudi ArabiaCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
NetherlandsCountry dossier