3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Upper Division
"Nuclear Strategy and Proliferation" is designed to teach students about 1) the conceptual elements and operational requirements of nuclear deterrence and 2) the historical dynamics of nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation. The goal of the class is to enable students to 1) evaluate the deterrent effects of different nuclear weapons and various configurations of nuclear arsenals and 2) analyze the technological, political and legal incentives and obstacles for acquiring nuclear weapons.
Learning Outcomes1Understand the historical development of ideas about nuclear deterrence and its requirements.
2Understand debates about the requirements for nuclear deterrence.
3Analyze and evaluate the size and structure of the nuclear arsenals of current nuclear powers.
4Identify and explain the main technological challenges and obstacles to acquiring nuclear weapons.
5Evaluate potential explanations of why nations choose to acquire nuclear weapons (or refrain from doing so).
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Attachments
made by Purdue students.