17.473 — The Politics of WMD Proliferation

Provides an introduction to the politics and theories surrounding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Primarily focuses on nuclear weapons, with attention to chemical and biological weapons. First half of the subject explores the causes of WMD proliferation and non-proliferation, both theoretically and empirically. Second half focuses on the consequences of proliferation, both within particular regions and in the international system.