IGA-232: Controlling Weapons Proliferation

Semester: Fall

Credit: 1.0

Syllabus: Click here for syllabus

Faculty: Matthew Bunn, William Tobey

Schedule

Day Time Location
First Day 9/6
Meet Day T/Th 10:10 AM - 11:30 AM BL-1
Review

Description

From Iran to North Korea, from terrorist groups seeking nuclear weapons to global black-market nuclear technology networks, the control of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons is critical to global security. This course explores policies and institutions intended to prevent proliferation of these weapons and keep them out of terrorist hands, what can be done to strengthen these efforts, and what can be done to limit the risk when proliferation does occur. Primary focus is on nuclear weapons, but chemical and biological arms and ballistic missiles are also addressed. Students will gain an understanding of (a) the technologies of these weapons; (b) the wide range of policy tools available for preventing proliferation; (c) approaches to responding to proliferation when it does occur, including deterrence, military strikes, and defenses; and (d) how these issues interact with broader national and international policies. Policy choices relating to North Korea, Iran, nuclear terrorism, illicit nuclear technology transfers, the future of nuclear energy, and nuclear arms reductions are explored in depth. The course uses a risk-based framework, focused on identifying the greatest risks to international security from these weapons and the highest-leverage policies for reducing those risks.