Nuclear Weapons in World Polit

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

This course has three objectives. First, the course provides an introduction to the major theories related to the causes and consequences of nuclear weapons in international politics. We examine scholarly debates related to the following questions: Why do nuclear weapons spread? Why do countries try to stop nuclear proliferation? Do nuclear weapons deter conflict? How much is enough for deterrence? What are the broader ramifications of nuclear weapons on international politics? Second, the class provides a history of nuclear weapons in international politics. This history will be interwoven through the topical lectures to detail the development of nuclear issues over time. Not only is this history intrinsically important, but it also provides a basis for policy analysis. Finally, this class evaluates the most important contemporary policy debates, including those related to: nuclear posture and modernization, the nonproliferation regime, arms control, global zero, nuclear deterrence, and nuclear-armed powers, including Russia, China, and North Korea, and potential proliferant states, such as Iran.