Explaining Stability in Nuclear Thinking: Grand Strategy, Nuclear Weapons, and Policy Change

Overview

Explore the stability of nuclear thinking and its impact on grand strategy, weapons, and policy change in this 43-minute lecture from the Center for Global Security Research. Delve into the origins of the project, comparing the United States and China's approaches. Examine the puzzle of nuclear thinking and its relationship to grand strategic change. Analyze key observable implications and the reasons for focusing on the US nuclear posture. Investigate South Africa's nuclear wealth and its grand strategy. Consider the shifting landscape of nuclear thinking and its implications for international politics. Engage with big picture policy questions surrounding nuclear weapons and global security.

Syllabus

Introduction
Origins of the project
US vs China
Puzzle
Nuclear Thinking
Nuclear Weapons
Grand Strategic Change
Key Observable Implications
Why Look at the US
US Nuclear Posture
US Nuclear Thinking
South Africa
Nuclear Wealth
Grand Strategy
Shifting in Nuclear Thinking
Implications for International Politics
Big Picture Policy Questions