Why do states develop nuclear weapons and why do some states, that have the technological capacity to build nuclear weapons, nonetheless refrain from doing so? What are the consequences of new states deploying nuclear weapons? Do arms control treaties and the laws of armed conflict influence nuclear proliferation and nuclear war plans? What is the relationship between the spread of nuclear energy and the spread of nuclear weapons? We will first critically examine the political science, legal, and historical literature on these key questions. Students will then design and execute small research projects to address questions that have been inadequately addressed in the existing literature. Elements used in grading: Class participation, written assignments / final paper, simulation. This class is limited to LAW 16 students. To apply for this course please email Professors Sagan and Dannenbaum (ssagan@stanford.edu and dtom@stanford.edu ) with the following information: name, degree program, class year, and a sentence or two on their reason for taking the class. Emails must be sent before September 5th to be considered for the course. If admitted, permission codes will be sent out the following week. Cross-listed with International Policy (INTLPOL LAW 311N) and Political Science (POLISCI LAW 211N/LAW 311N).
3 units · Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
Why do states develop nuclear weapons and why do some states, that have the technological capacity to build nuclear weapons, nonetheless refrain from doing so? What are the consequences of new states deploying nuclear weapons? Do arms control treaties and the laws of armed conflict influence nuclear proliferation and nuclear war plans? What is the relationship between the spread of nuclear energy and the spread of nuclear weapons? We will first critically examine the political science, legal, and historical literature on these key questions. Students will then design and execute small research projects to address questions that have been inadequately addressed in the existing literature. Elements used in grading: Class participation, written assignments / final paper, simulation. This class is limited to 16 students. To apply for this course please email Professors Sagan and Dannenbaum (ssagan@stanford.edu and dtom@stanford.edu ) with the following information: name, degree program, class year, and a sentence or two on their reason for taking the class. Emails must be sent before September 5th to be considered for the course. If admitted, permission codes will be sent out the following week. Cross-listed with International Policy (INTLPOL 311N) and Political Science (POLISCI 211N/311N).
Offered in Autumn 2025 at Stanford University.