On March 15-16, the New Generation Experts Segment of the Moscow Nonproliferation Conference–2026 was held in Moscow. It was organized by the Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS) together with the Primakov Center. Approximately 40 young researchers from 20 countries gathered to discuss the current state and prospects for the development of the nuclear nonproliferation regime in the context of a fragmented global security system.
The Moscow Nonproliferation Conference (MNC) is one of the flagship international discussion platforms focused on nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Since 2022, CENESS and the Primakov Center have been organizing the MNC New Generation Experts Segment to engage young specialists in professional dialogue on key aspects of the nuclear agenda.
As per tradition, the work program began with the participation of the new generation experts in the MNC meetings. On the sidelines of the Conference, young researchers also met with Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). He shared his experience and described career opportunities in the nuclear field.
The MNC New Generation Experts Segment opened on March 16. Anton Khlopkov, Director of the Center for Energy and Security Studies, and Victoria Karslieva, Executive Director of the Primakov Center, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of engaging young researchers in expert discussions on global security issues.
The forum began with a conversation on the new arms race. Participants analyzed key trends and risks associated with the erosion of existing arms control mechanisms, declining trust between states, and the development of cutting-edge technologies, including hypersonic systems and AI.
During the next session, experts assessed the likelihood of new countries developing military nuclear programs and examined factors that could influence the expansion of the "nuclear club" in the coming decades.
A special session was devoted to South Sudan, the only non-nuclear state remaining outside the NPT.
The participants then focused on the consequences of armed aggression against Iran. They outlined the risks of further escalation and discussed possible scenarios for resolving the current crisis.
The final topic addressed during the 2026 NGS MNC was the protection of nuclear facilities in wars and conflict zones. Experts analyzed current international legal mechanisms and ways to adapt them to modern challenges.
As part of the cultural program, young researchers visited the ATOM Museum, where they examined the historical and technological stages of the nuclear industry's development and its importance in the modern world.
The Moscow Nonproliferation Conference (MNC) is one of the flagship international discussion platforms focused on nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Since 2022, CENESS and the Primakov Center have been organizing the MNC New Generation Experts Segment to engage young specialists in professional dialogue on key aspects of the nuclear agenda.
As per tradition, the work program began with the participation of the new generation experts in the MNC meetings. On the sidelines of the Conference, young researchers also met with Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). He shared his experience and described career opportunities in the nuclear field.
The MNC New Generation Experts Segment opened on March 16. Anton Khlopkov, Director of the Center for Energy and Security Studies, and Victoria Karslieva, Executive Director of the Primakov Center, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of engaging young researchers in expert discussions on global security issues.
The forum began with a conversation on the new arms race. Participants analyzed key trends and risks associated with the erosion of existing arms control mechanisms, declining trust between states, and the development of cutting-edge technologies, including hypersonic systems and AI.
During the next session, experts assessed the likelihood of new countries developing military nuclear programs and examined factors that could influence the expansion of the "nuclear club" in the coming decades.
A special session was devoted to South Sudan, the only non-nuclear state remaining outside the NPT.
The participants then focused on the consequences of armed aggression against Iran. They outlined the risks of further escalation and discussed possible scenarios for resolving the current crisis.
The final topic addressed during the 2026 NGS MNC was the protection of nuclear facilities in wars and conflict zones. Experts analyzed current international legal mechanisms and ways to adapt them to modern challenges.
As part of the cultural program, young researchers visited the ATOM Museum, where they examined the historical and technological stages of the nuclear industry's development and its importance in the modern world.