SYLLABUS

“WMD NONPROLIFERATION AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY” 

"Governance and Global Affairs" M. A. in International Affairs

Course Description

International community faces new threats of weapons of mass destruction use and proliferation. Over the last two decades after the end of the cold war, Russia, the USA, other nuclear-weapon states as well as other countries and international organizations have acquired invaluable experience in international negotiations and implementation of joint agreements on nuclear weapons reductions, development of export control and nuclear security systems, as well as international cooperation in nuclear energy. Even with political changes, cooperation on nuclear sphere is a key factor of international security and successful solution of global and regional nonproliferation problems.

At the same time, the WMD nonproliferation regime is being presented with completely new challenges. On the one hand, global economic and political changes and technical progress are opening new opportunities for development, while on the other hand the risk of WMD proliferation and a new arms race are growing. Political and military issues are intricately intertwined with all other aspects of life in the world. In order to meet these challenges, there is a need for a new level of expertise in nonproliferation and international security, one that is founded on the latest advances in science and interdisciplinary research, as well as continued professional advancement.

The main purpose of the course is developing of better understanding of the main WMD threats, risks of nuclear energy development and WMD nonproliferation regimes functioning.

It is expected that at the end of the course the students will be able to analyze critically the role on nuclear factor in global, regional and national politics, including foreign policy and military doctrines, logic of arms control negotiations and mechanisms of international regimes functioning. The students will be able to formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, develop argumentation, make relevant conclusions and present their ideas and arguments on WMD nonproliferation issues. Knowledge and skills obtained during the course could used be both for development of the MA dissertations and in further practical work. 

It is expected that at the end of the course the students will be able to analyze critically the role on nuclear factor in global, regional and national politics, including foreign policy and military doctrines, logic of arms control negotiations and mechanisms of international regimes functioning. The students will be able to formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, develop argumentation, make relevant conclusions and present their ideas and arguments on WMD nonproliferation issues. Knowledge and skills obtained during the course could used be both for development of the MA dissertations and in further practical work.

Each class includes a lecture, discussion on literature/Q&A session. 

Requirements and Assessment of the course

Attendance is required. One absence without proper reason is the absolute maximum.

Everyone is expected to engage in the discussion. It is only possible if the students read and carefully think through the required reading before the class.

Assignments and grading system include:

Everybody can achieve as max 112 points

• In-class activity (including participation and questions) – 36 points (12 classes –  3 point each max)
• Participation in debates – 4 points + extra 4 points for debaters
• Test – 68 points

To get “pass” student need to get at least 32 points

Required readings are available at the programs web page.

Program Coordinators