The explosion of the Trinity device in the New Mexico desert in July 1945 ushered in the atomic age. As early as August 1945, the US government took steps to prevent the disclosure of any information relating to the manufacture of atomic weapons. Efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons were thus concomitant with their emergence.
Nuclear proliferation is the mechanism by which an entity acquires the means necessary to carry out a nuclear weapons program – scientific and technical knowledge, infrastructure or political will – and implements them. The fight against nuclear proliferation covers all measures taken, collectively or unilaterally, to prevent access to nuclear weapons.
From case studies to an understanding of nuclear proliferation control mechanisms, this course will examine the various ways in which certain states have gained access to these weapons, and conversely, how controls (particularly those of the IAEA) have limited their spread.
In a context of weakening international treaties and increased risk of nuclear proliferation, this course will provide the historical, legal and technical elements needed to analyze contemporary proliferation crises and reflect on the future of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Julien Elbez (CEA expert), Frédéric Gloriant (CIENS/IHMC director), Maïlys Mangin (MCF in political science at Toulouse Capitole, CIENS associate researcher)
3 ECTS, 6 sessions of 2h
Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm, in room U 209 at 29 rue d’Ulm