This course will examine the major theoretical perspectives on nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation, including realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism.  To what extent, and under what conditions, do strategic, economic, normative, and domestic-level factors encourage and restrain proliferation?  Students will also explore the current theoretical and policy debates related to the new emphasis on nuclear disarmament.  What are the obstacles to disarmament, and can they be overcome?  Is the new disarmament momentum dangerous?  Finally, students will examine future trends in research on nuclear politics, including critical and poststructural perspectives, the influence of emotions on policymakers, and the framing of nuclear disarmament through a humanitarian law perspective.

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

1. Explain the benefits and limitations of the major theoretical perspectives on nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation
2. Analyze the major issues under debate in nuclear politics today, from the value of deterrence and security guarantees to the importance of norms and psychological factors in nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation
3. Dissect the current debates related to nuclear disarmament, from whether global zero is possible to whether disarmament is a dangerous concept
4. Evaluate key areas of future research, including critical and poststructural approaches, perspectives from humanitarian law, and more. 

Analytical presentation report (1500 words) (25%) (LO 2, 3)

2 critical reading reflections (750 words each) (25%) (LO 1, 2)

Research essay (3000 words) (50%) (2, 3, 4) 

Two hour seminar per week (12 weeks), individual meetings with lecturer (1 week), and 8-10 hours of independent reading/writing per week (13 weeks)

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