10.05.2011

Additional seminar: "Why do states build nuclear weapons?"

Theoretical Approaches to Nuclear Proliferation - Zoe Levornik, M.A.

"Why do states build nuclear weapons?" Theoretical Approaches to Nuclear Proliferation
Zoe Levornik, M.A.

An intriguing look into the question of nuclear proliferation.

We ask why some states build nuclear weapons while others do not. The purpose of this seminar is to review some of the explanations given by the dominant approaches in the IR field to the nuclear proliferation puzzle. We begin with a look at the technical and historical developments of nuclear weapons. What are nuclear weapons and how do they work? What makes a state a nuclear state? Next we look at the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear strategies during the nuclear age. We continue by looking at the explanations offered by three of the major theoretical approaches in IR: structural approaches (Realism, Neorealism, and Deterrence theory), neoliberalism, and social constructivism. The purpose of this review is to create a discussion of the merits and drawbacks of each of these approaches to nuclear proliferation and to gain a better understanding of the
complexities of states nuclear policies.

This seminar is offered as a block seminar and is offered to MA and advanced BA students.

Preparatory meeting Friday 20.5 at 12:00-14:00 room 124
The seminar will take place on the 14, 15, 16 of June 9:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 room 124
For further information contact Zoe Levornik, iofir02 (at) gmail.com.