PLSC 479Nuclear Weapons in International Relations

3 credits · Political Science · Penn State

This course introduces students to the role of nuclear weapons in international relations. It covers the origins of nuclear weapons; the reasons for nuclear proliferation; nuclear deterrence; nuclear strategy; the consequences of nuclear weapons for global stability and security; and counterproliferation and disarmament efforts. In addressing these issues, we will study a variety of countries that have pursued or attained nuclear weapons. The objective of the course is to give students a comprehensive understanding of how nuclear weapons have affected international relations since their development and to enable students to analyze current debates about nuclear issues in a critical and informed way.