The Trinity Site Obelisk National Historic Landmark, which marks the site where the world's first nuclear device was exploded on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico. (Image courtesy of Jeremy on flickr. License CC BY.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Francis J. Gavin
MIT Course Number
17.473
As Taught In
Fall 2015
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the politics and theories surrounding the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It introduces the basics of nuclear weapons, nuclear strategy, and deterrence theory. It also examines the historical record during the Cold War as well as the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the resulting deterrence consequences.