This course will examine the origins of the drive for nuclear weapons, the history of the nuclear nonproliferation regime, and incentives and disincentives for nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation.  Students will analyze current nuclear weapons states, “threshold” states, and states that purposefully chose to forgo nuclear weapons development – as well as the importance of non-state actors who seek to influence these states.  The course will also explore the contemporary disarmament debate to shed light on the major obstacles to nuclear disarmament and possible paths around them.  Finally, students will evaluate future trends in nuclear politics, from the importance of regional efforts toward disarmament to the critical role civil society may play in influence the global nuclear future.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1.  To use their understanding of nuclear science to analyse current debates surrounding uranium enrichment, nuclear fuel banks, plutonium production, and more
2. To assess the utility of international organizations in managing a serious security issue such as nuclear weapons
3. To critically examine how policymakers might be influenced by incentives and disincentives for both proliferation and nonproliferation
4. To dissect debates surrounding nuclear disarmament to come to reasoned conclusions about the promise and peril of pursuing “global zero”
5. To make informed arguments about the best ways to use policy to reduce nuclear proliferation and encourage nuclear restraint

Nuclear Science Exam (10%) (short answer and multiple choice) (LO 1)

Analytical Policy Report (40%) (2,000 words) (LO 1, 2, 3, 5)

 Exam (40%) (3 essay question responses) (LO 3, 4, 5)

 Tutorial Participation (10%) (LO 4, 5)

Students are expected to spend approximately 10 hours a week on this course, attending lectures and tutorials (3 hours), working through the reading program, preparing for tutorials and completing the assessment tasks.

POLS1005 or POLS1006

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