Could you tell us more about the day and why it matters to host events such as this one at the Institute?

The event really touched me given how engaged the students were in the discussion and in showcasing how crucial the ARP experience was for them, both in theory and practice. It was important to discuss the theme of disarmament and theory specifically and how we can react. The theme of disarmament took a whole dimension as the students dealt with it throughout the discussion. It wasn’t a stereotypical discussion whereby there was a one sided lecture, but an engagement between Marina Wyss Ross and the audience comprised of students equally. Having Marina there was enriching as it wasn’t another talk with old experts of politicians or diplomats repeating the same things or with political agendas, but a discussion on the now and the future. 

What was something interesting that you retained from the day?

The students discussed their contemporary environment and the future as they watch and experience the different patterns of the world rearming. It was great to see the learning curve the students had retained from the year and the fact that they spoke from a place of knowledge and experience having worked for a year on the ARP. That is what is so great about the ARP is it provides students with 8 - 10 hours a week of research and practice. One of the students asked Marina about “how do we put this into practice?” and this allowed for a debate about the complexity of the practical question. Disarmament in practice is very difficult given the fragmentations and leading us to a question of multilateralism. The debate allowed for the students to gain insight into the practice and nuances of such a topic.

How did the collaboration with the FDFA come to be and what is the importance of such a collaboration?

The partner is an alumnus of the Institute and she was very eager to participate in such an event and she actually built this link between the FDFA and the Institute to attract the attention of researchers to this theme and to find ways to include this in the curriculum and learning experience of current and future students. Marina is a great example of practitioners going to academics and finding ways to integrate modern topics into academic curriculums to enrich student experiences. As practitioners have a different relationship than academics, this was a great collaboration. 

How does the partnership and events such as this one shape the ARPs and the Institute?

The event was proposed directly by the partner, which was a fantastic initiative. They wanted to organise this and spotlight the students and it was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain insight into the topic, but more importantly into these types of discussions and experiences with practitioners outside of a usual academic framework. Marina has also emphasised that she is available to students and has proposed for them to continue discussions in Bern. It’s all very exciting!