Nuclear Weapons Proliferation: History, Technology, and Policy

IWP 607
Four credits

This course examines the problem of preventing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, delivery systems, and associated technologies. The course addresses these issues historically, technically, and analytically. The first part of the course focuses on nations and technologies of concern, why they are, and what specific security threats proliferation poses. The second part examines how we have attempted to prevent proliferation and what successes and difficulties we have had in these efforts. The final part examines what other approaches might be taken to mitigate proliferation economically, politically, and militarily.

The student will be examined on the reading materials and will be expected to complete a research task, the key findings of which the student will be asked to present at the end of the course.

Semester Available

Spring Semester

Special Note

Offered as Directed Study only; formerly entitled "Strategic Weapons Proliferation: History, Technology and Policy"

Principal Professor

Henry D. Sokolski

Executive Director, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center; Former Deputy for Nonproliferation Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy {read more}

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FEATURED FACULTY

J. Michael Waller

Walter and Leonore Annenberg Professor of International Communication

International Relations, Statecraft and Integrated Strategy

This course introduces the field of international relations in a way that blends issues of theory and practice. It is designed to give students an understanding of those questions of international relations theory that have a direct bearing on the ability of policy practitioners to accomplish their mission.

Principal Professor

John Lenczowski

Roger W. Fontaine