On May 23rd, the Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA) hosted the conference “Negotiating the New Frontier: Technology and Conflict in a Changing Geopolitical Order” in Reykjavík, Iceland. The event convened experts and emerging leaders in arms control and diplomacy and marked the conclusion of ACONA’s year-long professional development program for international security experts and practitioners from all around the world. At the conference, the participants discussed the intersection of technology, security, and diplomacy, the role of technological innovation in war and peacekeeping, and how these advances can be used in conflict or negotiation to address related security threats.
In a keynote speech, Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, emphasized the necessity of engaging with adversaries to achieve peace. She also stressed the relevance and urgency of arms control in today’s geopolotical climate: “Arms control isn’t obsolete. On the contrary – it is perhaps more relevant and urgent now than at any time in recent history.” In a spotlight session, Christine Keung from J2 Ventures highlighted the significant, yet often overlooked, influence of the private sector on arms control. She also emphasized the role of non-state actors in shaping security policy.
ACONA Board Member Christopher Daase and Nicole Deitelhoff each moderated a panel. The former discussed the importance of science, innovation, and emerging technologies in the context of a fundamentally changing geopolitical landscape. The latter focused on negotiation, leadership, and trust in times of crisis. Panelists debated the indispensable role of trust in negotiations during times of crisis, noting that when political leadership lacks credibility, the leadership qualities of lower levels become all the more important.
The conference also provided insights into the work and ideas of this year’s ACONA Fellows. They presented the policy strategies developed as part of the program for reviving the P5 dialogue to reduce nuclear threats and promote disarmament, as well as conflict management and proliferation prevention in the Middle East. Darius Rahimi, Head of the Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament Division at the German Federal Foreign Office, evaluated these proposals and concluded that many of the ideas are constructive and helpful in addressing current security challenges. At the Innovation Roundtable, Marian Budjeryn and Sascha Hach also presented the results of the Design Thinking workshops. These included proposals on how nuclear weapon states can agree on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, ensuring that decisions in nuclear command and control remain human-centric. Additionally, they outlined strategies for transitioning responsibility for European security from the USA to Europe post-ceasefire in Ukraine, encompassing defense capabilities, information acquisition, escalation management, and arms control.
The conference concluded with a reception. This provided an opportunity for attendees to discuss Iceland's role in international diplomacy and its commitment to global peace.
