SEST-525 Nuclear Weapons: Their Past, Present and Future

Wolfstahl

**Offered Summer 2007**

The course will explore nuclear weapons through their existence and
assess issues related to the role of nuclear weapons today and moving
into the 21st Century. Topics to be assessed include: What are nuclear
weapons and how do they work, the development of nuclear weapons in WWII and their spread of other established nuclear weapon states, the
evolution of nuclear strategy, concepts of deterrence and game theory,
the development and impact of arms control during the cold war, the
origins of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the current state of nuclear weapons in the world today. Final sessions of the class will look at the current debates regarding the role and future direction of nuclear weapons including proliferation to new states, the
interconnection between nuclear power and nuclear weapons, and the risk
of non-state nuclear terrorism.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

SEST-525-01 Debating U.S. Nuclear Policy

Faculty:

Goldring, Natalie

This course highlights critical debates over US nuclear weapons and US nuclear policy since the invention of nuclear weapons. Virtually every aspect of the history of US nuclear policy has prompted debates, whether about the development, testing, deployment or modernization of nuclear weapons, or about their use, dismantlement, or disarmament. We will examine the history of US nuclear policy to better understand the principles behind post-Cold War nuclear deployments and postures. After analyzing the current US arsenal and posture, we will consider alternative approaches to nuclear weapons policy. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on learning more about the nature of these critical – and persistent – debates.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.