Introductory description

With questions of nuclear war-fighting, proliferation, and diplomacy once again at the forefront of world politics, this module considers the dynamics of contemporary nuclear proliferation. At its core, the module poses a deceptively simple question: why do states build (or threaten to build) nuclear weapons?

To answer this question, the module opens with a consideration of the history of nuclear weapons, of nuclear fear, and of theories of proliferation. This historical, cultural and theoretical overview supports a basic understanding of the dynamics of nuclear proliferation as portrayed in the established literature.

The module then turns to the contemporary scene: interrogating the key claims made in the academic literature through detailed examination of contemporary case studies. These case studies examine the policies of the ‘Tier 1’ nuclear states (the US & Russia), with an emphasis on vertical proliferation; and also the strategic, financial and diplomatic dilemmas faced by the ‘Tier 2’ nuclear states (China, France, the UK). The module then adopts a regional focus: examining the circumstances shaping the evolution of nuclear proliferation in North East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia and, finally, Africa and South America.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Contemporary nuclear fears
Why some states want nuclear weapons
Controlling proliferation
US national security and the bomb
Responding to the bomb: the USSR and Europe
NE Asia
South Asia
The Middle East
Review

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate and communicate advanced understanding of the main theoretical arguments and substantive issues informing complex scholarly and policy debates on nuclear proliferation
• Demonstrate and communicate advanced understanding of historical and current developments informing complex scholarly and policy debates on nuclear proliferation
• Demonstrate and communicate current and advanced knowledge of the key actors in the global and regional politics of nuclear weapons, and the institutions and processes through which they interact
• Manage their own learning in the production and communication of oral and written work to an advanced academic standard

Indicative reading list

S.J. Cimbala, Getting Nuclear Weapons Right, 2022
L. Freedman, The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy, 2019
A. Futter, The Politics of Nuclear Weapons, 2021
F.J. Gavin, Nuclear Statecraft, 2012
R.D. Gibbons, The Hegemon's Toolkit: US Leadership and the Politics of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime, 2022
N. Horsburgh, China and Global Nuclear Order, 2015
J. Pilat and N. Busch (eds), Routledge Handbook of Nuclear Proliferation and Policy, 2015
J.M. Siracusa, Nuclear Weapons, 2015.
W. Walker, A Perpetual Menace: Nuclear Weapons and International Order,2012
T. Street, The Politics of Nuclear disarmament, 2021

International

Global Affairs

Subject specific skills

Communication skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Independent research skills

Transferable skills

This module provides students with opportunities to acquire or develop the following key skills:
Communication skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills