Master of Arts in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies

IPSS Assignment: United Nations Office of the High Representative for disarmament Affairs – New York City, NY 

Margarita Zolotova is MA Candidate in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Margarita has recently completed her work at the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs where, among other responsibilities, she worked on a new media strategy to rebrand and promote global disarmament norm among more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. During her training at MIIS, Margarita has conceived and developed initial vision for global online nonproliferation simulation game aimed at creating a medium for players to learn nonproliferation matters and come up with ideas on how the world can solve the “nuclear puzzle” through a gameplay.

Ms Zolotova’s research interests include international nonproliferation regime and its perspectives, Iran’s nuclear program and an international policy response to that challenge, potential and role of media and Internet communication platforms in strengthening global security and increasing transparency among nations.

Margarita received her BA in Economics/Management (2004) and BA in Political Science (2002), with honors from the Yaroslavl State University in Russia. Before studying at the Monterey Institute, she worked as a television journalist, political analyst, and consultant in Russia.

Upon the completion of her studies, Margarita is seeking to work on shifting public online discourse on nonproliferation and WMD disarmament through the use of interactive media such as gaming, social networking, crowdsourcing applications, etc.