Deterrence Futures Fellowship: Call for Applications

This 18-month programme is for early- and mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of relevant professional or academic experience who are keen to deepen their knowledge and engage with the evolving concept and practice of deterrence and its role in UK and international security.

We welcome applications from citizens of NATO member states working across academia, think tanks, NGOs, governments, the armed forces, and the private sector.

Fellows will deepen their knowledge on nuclear deterrence by engaging with a range of perspectives and approaches to the current and future role of deterrence for the UK and further afield. Over the course of the programme, Fellows will analytically engage with the following thematic areas, among others:

• Foundations of UK and Allied nuclear deterrence
• Nuclear, conventional, and integrated deterrence and emerging and disruptive technologies
• The politics of nuclear deterrence and its interaction with disarmament efforts and platforms
• Escalation management and strategic communications
• Evolving capabilities of Russia and China and the changing nuclear order

The fellowship also provides an opportunity for Fellows to connect with senior officials and top international experts, participate in scenario-based discussions and exercises, and receive professional development support.

Fellowship programming will include:

• Five in-person meetings
• Two site visits (one in the UK, one elsewhere in Europe)
• Regular online professional development seminars, meetings with experts, and programming tailored to Fellows’ interests
• Development of policy briefs, with the option to write short-form policy articles, related to the UK Nuclear Deterrence Network’s three areas of focus.

Applicant Criteria 

• 3-7 years of relevant experience in academia, think tanks, NGOs, governments, the armed forces, or the private sector.
• NATO member state citizenship.
• Based in the UK or another European NATO member state.
• Committed to embracing an open mindset and creating an inclusive, respectful environment where a broad range of viewpoints and perspectives will be valued and welcomed.

Application Deadline 

Please make sure to submit your application before 23:59 BST on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. Please contact Mar Casas Cachinero, Programme Manager on MarCC@rusi.org if you have any questions regarding the application process.

The UK Nuclear Deterrence Network, a consortium comprising King’s College London, the Royal United Services Institute and the University of Leicester, seeks to understand the practice and theory of deterrence, assess the value of deterrence against a changing international landscape, generate evidence-based research and recommendations, and develop a UK-based community of practice engaged with the role and future of deterrence for the UK and its allies.