Course Description:
This course will explore the history, theory, and practice of nuclear deterrence and diplomacy, focusing on the strategic, political, and ethical implications of possessing and using nuclear weapons. The course will cover the technical and scientific aspects of nuclear weapons, as well as the historical and political context of nuclear proliferation and arms control. The course will also examine the role of nuclear deterrence in shaping international relations and the challenges and opportunities for diplomacy in a world dominated by nuclear powers.
Course Goals:
Understand the technical and scientific aspects of nuclear weapons and their effects on human health and the environment.
Examine the historical context of nuclear proliferation and arms control efforts, including the development of nuclear deterrence theory.
Analyze the political and ethical implications of possessing and using nuclear weapons, including their impact on international relations and national security strategies.
Evaluate the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence in preventing conflict and maintaining peace, and the challenges and limitations of this strategy.
Critically assess the role of diplomacy in managing nuclear proliferation and arms control efforts, and the prospects for multilateral disarmament.
Develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and written and oral communication on issues related to nuclear deterrence and diplomacy.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Nuclear Weapons
Scientific and technical aspects of nuclear weapons
Historical context of the development of nuclear weapons
Week 2: Nuclear Deterrence Theory
Overview of nuclear deterrence theory
Concepts of mutually assured destruction (MAD), first-strike capability, and second-strike capability
Week 3: Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control
Historical context of nuclear proliferation
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other arms control agreements
Challenges to arms control efforts
Week 4: Nuclear Weapons and National Security
Nuclear weapons and national security strategies
Ethical considerations of nuclear weapons
Week 5: Nuclear Weapons and International Relations
Nuclear deterrence and the balance of power
Nuclear weapons and crisis management
Week 6: Diplomacy and Nuclear Arms Control
The role of diplomacy in managing nuclear proliferation
Multilateral disarmament efforts
Week 7: The Future of Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy
Emerging challenges and opportunities in nuclear deterrence and diplomacy
Prospects for a nuclear-free world
Assessment:
References:
https://thebulletin.org/2018/09/how-to-make-progress-with-north-korea-now/
https://thebulletin.org/2018/04/iran-after-sunset/
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2017/04/princeton_scholar_interim_nuclear_deal_in_n_korea.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms12890
https://thebulletin.org/2015/02/negotiating-with-iran-breakout-and-sneakout/
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13457
https://thebulletin.org/2018/04/why-fusion-2/
https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v8y2016i5p421-d69153.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140988315002224