Alexander MacDonald is an MA candidate at the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. Alex’s research interests include nuclear non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament, Arctic security, space security and international organizations. His thesis will analyse proposals for the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free-zone in the Arctic. Alex has received the Arthur J. E. Child Master’s Scholarship, Captain Bill Wilson Graduate Scholarship, and Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies Program Award. Additionally, Alex won a Graduate Research Award for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation through The Simons Foundation Canada and the International Research and Outreach Programme (ISROP) of Global Affairs Canada. 

Alex previously worked for the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations following and advising on the work of the Security Council, non-proliferation and disarmament issues and peacebuilding. Alex has also worked for the Government of Alberta, in the Premier’s Office, and for various not-for-profit groups. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in Political Science and History.

• Strategic Perspective: Reflections on Arctic Arms Control and Proposals for an Arctic Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone (ANWFZ), by Alexander MacDonald, May 2021
• Policy Primer: The Theory and Evolution of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones: Could the Arctic Be Next?, Alexander MacDonald, February 2021