Admission requirements
Only students of the MSc Crisis and Security Management can take this course.
Description
This elective course examines the role of nuclear weapons in international politics, analyzing their political, normative, technological, and strategic dimensions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of nuclear weapons, from the science behind their creation and operation to their influence on state behavior and global security dynamics. The course will trace the evolution of nuclear thinking, key milestones in nuclear development and testing, and the global efforts to control their proliferation.
Key topics include the scientific principles and historical development of nuclear weapons, the various types of nuclear weaponry and their delivery systems, the causes and consequences of nuclear proliferation, and the theory and practice of nuclear deterrence (including extended deterrence). Students will also analyze the (international) structures designed to manage nuclear threats, alongside the contemporary challenges of nuclear disarmament, considering both the prospects and obstacles to a world without nuclear weapons.
Throughout the course, students will critically assess the strategic decisions made by states regarding the pursuit or abandonment of nuclear weapons. They will also collaborate on a collective project that addresses nuclear threat management in the 21st century. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to formulate informed recommendations for addressing contemporary nuclear security challenges.
Course Objectives
After completing the course the student will be able to:
Understand the basics of nuclear weapons (including their types, delivery methods and destructive power), along with key events in their development and efforts to limit their spread.
Explain the concepts of (extended) nuclear deterrence and assurance, and assess their effectiveness in the contemporary international environment.
Evaluate the strategic decisions made by international actors considering the pursuit of nuclear weapons or the decision to forego nuclear development.
Assess efforts and frameworks aimed at nuclear disarmament (including treaties, political dynamics and prospects for progress).
Proposes strategies for managing nuclear threats in the 21st century, and collaborate in a team to design and present solutions to real-world nuclear security challenges.
Timetable
On the right side of programme front page of the E-guide you will find links to the website and timetables, uSis and Brightspace.
Mode of Instruction
This course consists of seven seminars. Classes will be dedicated to lectures and group discussions. Students are required to participate actively in class discussion. Attendance in mandatory.
Total study load: 140 hours
21 contact hours
119 self-study hours: reading, assignments, etc.
Assessment method
The final grade for this course is based on two assessments
Group assignment
25% of the final grade
Resit not possible
Grade can be compensated in case of a fail (< 5.50)
Individual paper
75% of the final grade
Resit is possible
Grade cannot be compensated, a 5.5 is required to pass the course
Calculation of the final grade: The final grade will be calculated using a weighted average and must be 5.5 or higher.
In the case of written assessment methods, the examiner can always initiate a follow-up conversation with the student to establish whether the learning objectives have been met.
Reading list
A selection of books and articles, to be announced on Brightspace.
Registration
*Please note, registration for block 4 electives will be organised by the OSC in a different way from the regular course registration for semester 2. More information about this will follow in the beginning of semester 2.
Contact
Dr. Linde Desmaele l.desmaele@fgga.leidenuniv.nl