The NATO Defense College Foundation is an independent think-tank, officially recognized by the Alliance, that fosters dialogue through education, research and outreach with regard to the challenges that allies and partner countries. It is inspired by a combination of scientific freedom, private agility and institutional linkage. It builds upon the top level connections and operational experience in Trans-Atlantic outreach towards Middle East, Eastern Europe, Southern Mediterranean and West Asia. Its scientific research consists of several activities: Strategic Trends, Food for thought, Paper, High-level International Conferences and Seminars with their Proceedings, Advisory Panels. The Foundation bears the name of the Alliance although it is not constantly financed by it, but only via open competition calls. NATO has been dealing since the 1960s with disarmament issues and negotiations on arms control such as the MBFR, CFE and, above all, INF and Open Skies were carried out on the basis of intense consultation within NATO. Its Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation Center (ACDC) oversees the committees that address arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
