The Chemistry of War

2 Credits · Level: Graduate

This class will provide a foundational knowledge of chemical warfare agents, to include the chemical structures, synthesis routes, physiological effects, delivery systems, and scenarios for use. We will focus on why particular chemical agents and delivery systems are more or less attractive to various actors based on available resources, expertise, and intended effects. The class will review historical and recent case studies of chemical warfare use and international response, looking at the impact of these events and responses through the lens of the adversary, third parties, and western governments. This course is intended to push students to think critically about how chemical attacks have broken norms against weapons of mass destruction and how these developments shape the outlook for counterproliferation of chemical weapons.