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Purpose
The MacArthur Foundation seeks to promote international peace and security by helping to reduce the dangers posed by the development, stockpiling, and proliferation of the world's most destructive weapons, in particular nuclear weapons, dangerous pathogens, and new biotechnologies. Since the end of the Cold War, the world has lived with the continuing risk that unsecured weapons and related material could spread well beyond the major nuclear powers — to individuals and criminal groups, as well as to additional countries. The attacks of September 2001 brought a new sense of urgency to these problems, as they raised the possibility that such weapons could be used in terrorist acts against civilians anywhere in the world.
Strategies
Successfully addressing these dangers and related issues requires: 1) scientific knowledge and technical expertise; 2) new approaches and frameworks for reducing the dangers; and 3) substantial engagement between policymakers and specialists. The Foundation has identified three strategies for bringing knowledge and new ideas to the attention of governments responsible for reducing these dangers:
Strengthening independent scientific and technical advice on security policy
Through its Initiative on Science, Technology and Security Policy the Foundation intends to increase the pool of academic scientists and engineers and other independent experts who address security issues. The number of independent scientists, engineers, and other specialists, in the U.S. and in other key countries such as Russia and China, who can provide impartial expert analysis of the technical aspects and policy consequences of international security issues is relatively small. By increasing the number of independent scientists both here and abroad, and by strengthening the centers at which they conduct research, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of policy analysis and research that informs national and international security policy. MacArthur provides for a limited number of fellowships and faculty positions at selected university-based programs worldwide. By supporting new policy centers and dissemination efforts, MacArthur helps make policy advice more accessible to policymakers and to interested citizens. (More information on the Science, Technology and Security Initiative is available to download.)
Fostering new approaches to security and threat reduction
Today's leaders are looking for approaches to international security policy that move beyond traditional frameworks of arms control, deterrence, and containment-new frameworks that no longer assume that only states seek to acquire and possess the world's most destructive weapons. To develop and implement such frameworks, new forms of governmental and nongovernmental cooperation will be needed to regulate, reduce, and restrain the proliferation of dangerous technologies. MacArthur funds projects that have the potential for producing new ways of thinking about stemming proliferation and lowering the risks from weapons of mass destruction. The Foundation also will identify a limited number of interdisciplinary projects that analyze new forms of transnational political violence including transnational terrorism. The U.S. is in a position to exert practical leadership in protecting societies from new threats, but we recognize that creative solutions to global security problems will come from many sources both within and beyond the United States.
Supporting policy research and engagement
Sustained progress toward reducing arsenals and restraining proliferation requires informed leaders who can draw on outside expertise and benefit from systematic engagement with specialists. In recent years, we have witnessed an increased demand from policymakers, particularly in the United States, for information to help accelerate nuclear disarmament and threat reduction efforts, prevent nuclear and biological terrorism, constrain proliferation, and strengthen homeland security. MacArthur seeks to address these needs by providing support for policy research that is accessible and available to policymakers and the interested public. The Foundation also funds projects that provide forums for exchange between policy leaders and experts on national and international security issues.
Funding
To pursue the goals of the International Peace and Security area, the Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations, including research institutes and universities. Grants are awarded for research and policy studies, dissemination and related activities, and fellowship programs in the strategy areas listed above. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting projects that reflect diverse national, institutional, professional, and cultural perspectives on international peace and security.
Questions about this grantmaking area can be e-mailed to peace and security.
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