Globalization, the rise of transnational terrorism, and ever-increasing advancements in procurement tactics among proliferators have given impetus to concerted international action aimed at making trade more secure - but without impeding the economic drivers and logistical efficiencies crucial for a vibrant global marketplace. Transparency about national export and import control laws and procedures is the first and foremost step in this direction. Harmonization of concepts and practices across countries is the crucial second step. These cornerstone understandings, in fact, were the rationale for the 2004 UN Security Council Resolution 1540 - and for the Center for International Trade and Security to begin its on-campus offering of comprehensive training on international export controls through the CITS Export Control Academy (XCA).

The XCA provides a comprehensive overview of export control concepts, issues, and standards from an international perspective. Unlike other fora on export control which focus exclusively on the United States or one particular country's export control regulations, CITS Academy offers a comparative perspective that allows participants to understand the range of "how to" options or tools available to them for implementing export controls. Participants leave with a truly global and hands-on understanding of export controls.

The Center for International Trade and Security is a university-based alliance of analysts, experts, faculty, and students dedicated to the pursuit of research and outreach that address the dangers implicit in strategic trade and the risks to security and economy posed by inappropriate trade control systems. CITS has over twenty years of experience conducting research and training on export controls internationally and is today widely recognized as the source of global expertise in its field.

Location and Timing

All XCA sessions are held in Athens, Georgia, in and around the UGA campus, close to its historic and vibrant downtown. We offer two XCA sessions each year: spring and fall. Approximate dates are April and October.

Structure

Each XC Academy session consists of two week-long "modules" that can be taken in sequence or at different times.

The Week 1 module focuses on the international and national context of export controls. This module is offered both sessions. Topics include:

The Spring Week 2 module 2 focuses on licensing and implementation. Topics include:

Who Should Attend?

CITS has designed its Export Control Academy to help government officials and industry representatives understand today's dynamic and complex international export control environment, and to address its most significant challenges head on: The Academy helps prepare officials for the challenges of developing, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures that fulfill national obligations under UNSC Resolution 1540, and meet international export control standards.

States with developed export control systems can train or re-train their staff on the international developments on export controls. They can also fulfill their mandate for assistance by sponsoring officials from developing countries. States with less developed export control systems can utilize the Academy experience to prepare staff to meet the challenges of export control implementation as well as train their core staff responsible for reporting to the 1540 Committee. They can also send officials responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing export regulations.

The Academy also helps global companies and firms invested in a range of economic activities across a diverse set of countries. Companies facing international compliance issues will gain insight into the economic and strategic context of export controls. They will also understand the policies and practices of several other countries where they do business - either as markets, or via joint ventures or subsidiaries or partnerships.

Who are the Speakers?

Speakers at the XC Academy come from a variety of academic, policy and business backgrounds - and all are recognized experts with years of experience in varied aspects of national and international export controls. CITS faculty involved in teaching at the Academy include :

Past speakers have also included representatives from the following U.S. government agencies:

We also draw upon leading practitioners from business and international experts:

The XC Academy Experience

The XC Academy sessions are limited to thirty (30) participants to ensure that seminars are at the same time highly interactive and personally enriching. In addition to lectures, participants take part in simulations, quizzes, licensing assignments and scenarios. Chatham House rules for speakers and participants provide numerous opportunities to ask frank questions and to share ideas and experiences. A relaxed setting, group assignments, informal receptions, and organized excursions to area attractions during the weekends allow ample opportunity to network with others in the field.

The Costs

Tuition: $2,000/week if paid by the registration deadline (includes course packet, readings, and instructional materials). Tuition increases by $1000 after the deadline.

All participants - whether paying by themselves or sponsored by a government or company - must submit a completed registration form.

Each Week of the Academy earns a Certificate for the participants.
They also have the option of earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for an additional fee ($25/week).

All costs associated with lodging and meals are borne separately by participants. CITS has negotiated reduced rates with Athens-area hotels for participant bookings made on or before the logistics deadline. Rates and availability may be affected by conventions, conferences, and UGA football games in Athens.

Chatham House rules require that all persons at a gathering participate in their individual capacity - not as representatives of their organizations. Anything said at the gathering is off-the-record and, therefore, cannot be cited in a public document either as personal or official position.