Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject describes and explains many of the most important attempts to control the development and spread of military power. These efforts are placed in the context of broader concerns for international security. The subject starts with an introduction to the ideas and issues involved in efforts to curb the international competition in weaponry. It then focuses on aspects of US-Soviet/Russian nuclear arms control before looking at developments in Europe, especially the arms control implications of `common security'. This is followed by an examination of policies designed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, biological and high technology conventional weapons. Finally, the linkage between arms control and the military dimension of international relations is examined and the prospects for further arms control are discussed in the light of developments in world politics.
Assessment Written (3000 words): 50% + Examination (3 hours): 50%