AZA3703 - The global politics of arms control and disarmament - 2018

This unit examines policies that have been developed to facilitate the emergence of a less militarised form of world politics. Three themes are addressed. First - general issues involved in efforts to manage and stop the arms race are introduced. Second - attempts to restrain the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, biological weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons are outlined analysed. The role of South Africa as a world leader in nuclear non-proliferation efforts will be highlighted, as well as the position of Africa in the global nuclear regime. Third - the prospects for various degrees of demilitarisation are discussed in the light of contemporary developments in world politics. Here, specific emphasis will be placed on the challenges of disarmament in Africa.

The unit has the following objectives:

1. to provide a sense of the conceptual and historical context required for understanding developments in international arms control;
2. to introduce students to key international arms control agreements, with specific emphasis on the role of South Africa in promoting arms control;
3. to introduce students to the unique challenges of disarmament in Africa; and
4. to enhance the ability of students to engage in critical reflection and produce reasoned, soundly structured and well presented debate on the place of arms control in the international system.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

International studies - South Africa