The Nuclear Risk Lab: Simulation and Policy in Practice
General Overview
The Nuclear Risk Lab is a three-day professional training that combines theoretical insight with practical application to explore how nuclear risk has been perceived, managed, and negotiated from the dawn of the atomic age to the present day.
The course provides participants with an analytical understanding of the political, strategic and normative dimensions of nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament. It blends lectures, interactive discussions, and experiential learning activities, allowing participants to connect academic perspectives with real-world policy challenges.
A core component of the course is the simulation module developed, “Dial N for Nuclear – Nuclear Diplomacy and Mystery Game”. In this exercise, participants confront a fictional diplomatic crisis triggered by an unexplained nuclear detonation. Acting as diplomats and decision-makers, they must operate under conditions of uncertainty, limited information, and high political tension, testing their analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
By merging policy analysis with simulation-based learning, The Nuclear Risk Lab offers a blended learning experience that bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice, equipping participants to critically engage with and navigate risk in the nuclear domain.
Training objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1) 1. Explain the key concepts, institutions and frameworks underpinning nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament.
2) Identify and evaluate different forms of nuclear risk across historical and contemporary contexts.
3) Critically assess competing strategic and ethical perspectives on deterrence and disarmament.
4) Apply theoretical knowledge to practical decision-making through simulation exercises and scenario-based discussion.
5) Demonstrate enhanced negotiation and communication skills in managing uncertainty and complexity in nuclear diplomacy.
6) Engage in informed and evidence-based debate on emerging nuclear challenges and policy responses in the 21st century.
The course (entirely in English) will be held online via Zoom, where participants will attend lessons, interact with instructors, and engage in workshop activities. Teachers and instructors are subject-matter experts and researchers.
Target Audience
The course is designed for students, recent graduates, and professionals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who wish to deepen their understanding of nuclear politics and international security, while developing practical skills in analysis, negotiation, and decision-making. Guidance and support are provided throughout the programme by the instructors and simulation facilitators. No specific prior knowledge of nuclear issues is required to attend the course – only a strong motivation to engage in an interactive and interdisciplinary learning environment.
How to apply
To enroll in the course, you must complete the online registration form selecting the course of interest.
The registration fee for the course is €449.00 (VAT included)..
The following discounts are available:
- 5% discount for those who register and complete payment no later than 22 December 2025 (course fee: €426.55 VAT included);
- 10% discount for IAI Junior Members and holders of the Lazio Youth Card (course fee: €404.10 VAT included);
- 15% discount for employees of the Ministry of Defence (course fee: €381.65 VAT included).
In addition, participants may reserve their place and secure Early Application to the Advanced Certificate, benefiting from a 15% discount on the total fee.
Read the course attendance regulations here
Credits and Certificates
At the end of the course, participants who have successfully attended at least 80% of the sessions will receive a certificate of attendance.
IAI provides all necessary documentation for the recognition of ECTS credits (CFU) by the participant’s home university, for those who have attended at least 80% of the sessions.
For members of the Armed Forces and State Police Corps, IAI offers the necessary support for the official recording of course attendance in their service record.
Info and contacts: edu(at)iai.it