POLI2550 · Political Science

Nuclear Weapons and IR Theory

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

How have nuclear weapons influenced international relations? What can nuclear weapons teach us about international relations theory? This course is divided into two main sections. The first section analyzes competing IR theories regarding the strategic utility of nuclear weapons and the causes of proliferation: Under what conditions will nuclear weapons act as an effective deterrent? Can nuclear weapons be used to coerce or blackmail? Does nuclear acquisition embolden states to pursue more aggressive foreign policies? How and why do states acquire nuclear weapons? The second portion of the course focuses on a variety of current issues relating to nuclear weapons, including: strategic missile defense, nuclear terrorism, global zero, and the Iranian nuclear deal, and North Korean nuclear acquisition.