Numerous nuclear threats and challenges face the Asia-Pacific. Rogue nuclear states, proliferation challenges, great power rivalries, emerging ballistic missile defences, eroding arms control agreements, concerns over disarmament obligations, and the problems associated with strategic trade management and the peaceful use of nuclear energy all threaten regional stability. In addition to presenting the fundamental conceptual approaches to understanding the politics of nuclear issues in the region, this course examines how these and other real-world policy challenges are playing out in the rapidly changing Asia-Pacific region.

Students who successfully complete this course should have: 

1. A comprehensive knowledge of the key concepts, historical evolution and like future trajectory of nuclear proliferation, disarmament and deterrence issues in the Asia-Pacific
2. A critical understanding of the key regional and systemic drivers of nuclear behaviour, military and civilian, in the Asia Pacific;
3. Deeper insights into nuclear challenges from different perspectives across the region;
4. A developed capacity to present strong arguments in their written and oral work and to link relevant concepts to actual practice skills (as developed through written assessments, in-class discussions and tutorial-based activities).

1. Tutorial presentation     10%                
2. Mid-term quiz                    20%                     
3. Research Essay                 40%
4. Final Examination           30%

35 contact hours per semester

A 2-hour lecture session per week for 12 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks of the  semester

N/A

A basic interest/knowledge in political science and/or international relations.

Prescribed readings will be made available on Wattle

Wattle access