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Living at the Nuclear Brink
William Perry
William Perry
The key goals of this course are to warn you of the dangers you face and to give you some insight on what could be done to avoid those dangers. My challenge in this course is to make vivid to you that the dangers of nuclear weapons, far from being historical curiosities, are existential dangers today. You will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about these topics with both world experts and peers from around the globe.
Read more
The key goals of this course are to warn you of the dangers you face and to give you some insight on what could be done to avoid those dangers. My challenge in this course is to make vivid to you that the dangers of nuclear weapons, far from being historical curiosities, are existential dangers today. You will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about these topics with both world experts and peers from around the globe.
Read more
The key goals of this course are to warn you of the dangers you face and to give you some insight on what could be done to avoid those dangers. My challenge in this course is to make vivid to you that the dangers of nuclear weapons, far from being historical curiosities, are existential dangers today. You will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about these topics with both world experts and peers from around the globe.
You can take this course any way you wish. We have organized the course segments in a logical order, both chronologically and thematically. However, each segment stands alone and can be viewed independently.
What you'll learn
The course differs from many others in a fundamental way: our goal is not just to provide facts for your education, but to inspire you to take action. You have the power to make a difference, and I believe that this course will give you the knowledge and motivation to do so. You can read more about this subject, and find ways to become involved, by visiting the website of the William J Perry Project: www.wjperryproject.org
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/m0ufg0/living
What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction; What Are Nuclear Weapons and Why Were They Developed?
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. Joseph Martz; Dr. Siegfried Hecker
Week 2: Nuclear Proliferation in the United States and Around the World
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction; What Are Nuclear Weapons and Why Were They Developed?
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. Joseph Martz; Dr. Siegfried Hecker
Week 2: Nuclear Proliferation in the United States and Around the World
Read more
Week 3: Under a Nuclear Cloud: Early Cold War
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. David Holloway
Week 4: Fear and Loathing and Relief: Later Cold War
Week 5: A Lack of Intelligence
Dr. William J. Perry; Philip Taubman
Week 6: Dilemmas of Nuclear Policy
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. Scott Sagan; Dr. David Holloway; Dr. Andre Kokoshin
Week 7: New Nuclear Dangers: Nuclear Terrorism
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. Martha Crenshaw; Dr. Siegfried Hecker
Week 8: New Nuclear Dangers: South Asia and Proliferation
Dr. William J. Perry; Dr. Scott Sagan; Dr. Martha Crenshaw; Dr. Siegfried Hecker; Dr. Andre Kokoshin
Week 9: What Has Been Done, and Can Be Done, about Nuclear Dangers
Dr. William J. Perry; Amb. James Goodby; Secretary George Shultz
Week 10: What Next?
Dr. William J. Perry; Joseph Cirincione
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides learners with a thorough understanding of nuclear dangers that have shaped world history and today's environment
Taught by the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, William Perry, who brings a unique perspective to nuclear disarmament
Examines nuclear weapons from multiple viewpoints, including experts, scholars, and policymakers
Provides an opportunity for learners to engage in discussions and debates about nuclear weapons with a global community
Exploration of historical events and case studies helps contextualize the significance of nuclear weapons
Save this course
Save Living at the Nuclear Brink to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Living at the Nuclear Brink with these
activities:
Explore the Nuclear Threat Initiative Website
Show steps
Access a wealth of resources and information about nuclear weapons by exploring the Nuclear Threat Initiative website.
Show steps
-
Visit the Nuclear Threat Initiative website
-
Explore different sections of the website (e.g., news, analysis, research)
-
Read articles and reports on nuclear threats
-
Watch videos and listen to podcasts about nuclear issues
Review Key Concepts of International Relations
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of international relations before starting the course to enhance your comprehension of nuclear diplomacy and policy.
Browse courses on
International Relations
Show steps
-
Review theories of international relations (e.g., realism, liberalism, constructivism)
-
Analyze case studies of international conflicts and cooperation
-
Read articles and books on current events in international relations
Test Your Knowledge with Nuclear History Practice
Show steps
Practice makes perfect! Reinforce your understanding of nuclear history by testing your knowledge through drills.
Show steps
-
Identify key events and figures in nuclear history
-
Analyze the causes and consequences of major nuclear events
-
Evaluate the impact of nuclear technology on international relations
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Facilitate a Discussion on Nuclear Disarmament
Show steps
Engage with fellow students and share your perspectives on nuclear disarmament by facilitating a discussion.
Show steps
-
Prepare discussion questions that stimulate critical thinking
-
Facilitate a respectful and inclusive dialogue among participants
-
Summarize key points and takeaways from the discussion
Craft a Nuclear War Awareness Campaign
Show steps
Engage with the course content in a meaningful way by creating a campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of nuclear war.
Show steps
-
Research the history and current state of nuclear weapons
-
Develop a compelling message that resonates with your target audience
-
Choose an effective medium for your campaign (e.g., social media, print, or video)
-
Implement your campaign and track its reach and impact
Join an Anti-Nuclear Proliferation Organization
Show steps
Make a tangible contribution to the fight against nuclear weapons by volunteering your time to an anti-proliferation organization.
Browse courses on
Nuclear Proliferation
Show steps
-
Research different organizations and their missions
-
Choose an organization that aligns with your interests and values
-
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in activities such as outreach, advocacy, or research
Explore the Nuclear Threat Initiative Website
Show steps
Access a wealth of resources and information about nuclear weapons by exploring the Nuclear Threat Initiative website.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Nuclear Threat Initiative website
- Explore different sections of the website (e.g., news, analysis, research)
- Read articles and reports on nuclear threats
- Watch videos and listen to podcasts about nuclear issues
Review Key Concepts of International Relations
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of international relations before starting the course to enhance your comprehension of nuclear diplomacy and policy.
Browse courses on
International Relations
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review theories of international relations (e.g., realism, liberalism, constructivism)
- Analyze case studies of international conflicts and cooperation
- Read articles and books on current events in international relations
Test Your Knowledge with Nuclear History Practice
Show steps
Practice makes perfect! Reinforce your understanding of nuclear history by testing your knowledge through drills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key events and figures in nuclear history
- Analyze the causes and consequences of major nuclear events
- Evaluate the impact of nuclear technology on international relations
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Facilitate a Discussion on Nuclear Disarmament
Show steps
Engage with fellow students and share your perspectives on nuclear disarmament by facilitating a discussion.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare discussion questions that stimulate critical thinking
- Facilitate a respectful and inclusive dialogue among participants
- Summarize key points and takeaways from the discussion
Craft a Nuclear War Awareness Campaign
Show steps
Engage with the course content in a meaningful way by creating a campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of nuclear war.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history and current state of nuclear weapons
- Develop a compelling message that resonates with your target audience
- Choose an effective medium for your campaign (e.g., social media, print, or video)
- Implement your campaign and track its reach and impact
Join an Anti-Nuclear Proliferation Organization
Show steps
Make a tangible contribution to the fight against nuclear weapons by volunteering your time to an anti-proliferation organization.
Browse courses on
Nuclear Proliferation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different organizations and their missions
- Choose an organization that aligns with your interests and values
- Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in activities such as outreach, advocacy, or research
Career center
Learners who complete Living at the Nuclear Brink will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, build, and maintain nuclear reactors that produce energy and power nuclear weapons. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", can help build a foundation for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the history, dangers, and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Nuclear Engineering.
Arms Control Specialist
Arms Control Specialist
Arms Control Specialists develop and implement arms control agreements and policies. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", can help build a foundation for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the history, dangers, and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Arms Control.
Nuclear Policy Analyst
Nuclear Policy Analyst
Nuclear Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies related to nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", can help build a foundation for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the history, dangers, and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Nuclear Policy Analysis.
Nuclear Safety Engineer
Nuclear Safety Engineer
Nuclear Safety Engineers design and implement safety measures for nuclear facilities. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the dangers and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Nuclear Safety Engineering.
Nuclear Physicist
Nuclear Physicist
Nuclear Physicists research the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the science behind nuclear weapons. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Nuclear Physics.
Nuclear Waste Management Specialist
Nuclear Waste Management Specialist
Nuclear Waste Management Specialists develop and implement plans for the safe disposal of nuclear waste. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the dangers and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Nuclear Waste Management.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop public policies. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the public policy issues surrounding nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Public Policy Analysis.
Historian
Historian
Historians research and write about the past. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the history of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of History.
Military Strategist
Military Strategist
Military Strategists develop and implement military strategies. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the military and strategic issues surrounding nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Military Strategy.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the political and strategic issues surrounding nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Political Science.
Peace Activist
Peace Activist
Peace Activists work to promote peace and prevent war. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the dangers and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Peace Activism.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the legal and ethical issues surrounding nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Law.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the dangers and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Education.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on current events. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the dangers and dilemmas of nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Journalism.
Diplomat
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries in foreign affairs. The course, \"Living at the Nuclear Brink\", may be useful for this career, as it provides an in-depth look at the diplomatic issues surrounding nuclear weapons and policy. This course can provide you with the knowledge and motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, which is essential in the field of Diplomacy.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m0ufg0/living
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Living at the Nuclear Brink.
Save
Provides a detailed account of the Damascus incident, a near-nuclear disaster that occurred in 1980. It provides a chilling reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of preventing their use.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the Manhattan Project, the U.S. effort to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. It classic work that provides essential background information on the development of nuclear weapons.
Provides a concise overview of nuclear weapons, their history, and their impact on international relations. It good starting point for those who want to learn more about the subject.
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the arms control process. It argues that arms control has often failed to achieve its goals and that a new approach is needed.
Provides a theoretical analysis of nuclear strategy. It explores the different ways that nuclear weapons can be used and the consequences of their use.
Classic work on nuclear deterrence. It provides a rigorous analysis of the conditions necessary for deterrence to be successful.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the nuclear paradox. It explores the ways in which nuclear weapons both provide security and create risks.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the technology and its applications.
Save
Provides a firsthand account of the U.S. nuclear war planning process. It chilling reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of preventing their use.
Save
While not strictly about nuclear energy or weapons, this book offers a relevant global perspective as it describes countries that have successfully reduced carbon emissions and embraced renewable energy sources.
Classic account of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It provides a powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear weapons.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m0ufg0/living
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Effort
1 to 4 hours per week for 10 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructor
William Perry
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Provides learners with a thorough understanding of nuclear dangers that have shaped world history and today's environment
Taught by the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, William Perry, who brings a unique perspective to nuclear disarmament
Examines nuclear weapons from multiple viewpoints, including experts, scholars, and policymakers
Provides an opportunity for learners to engage in discussions and debates about nuclear weapons with a global community
Exploration of historical events and case studies helps contextualize the significance of nuclear weapons
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