What Drives Nuclear Proliferation? A Pragmatist Analysis

Open to the Public

One of the major unsolved puzzles of international politics is why only some states acquire nuclear weapons, whereas others never start a weapons program or even renounce their activities. A new theoretical framework based on the literature of American Pragmatism overcomes long-standing theoretical disaccords and provides a better understanding of the issues underlying states' decision-making. Insights from the cases of Switzerland and Libya will be applied in order to show the benefits of such an alternative approach.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.

Date: Mon, May 17, 2010 Time: 12:15pm - 02:00pm Location: Room G20

Libya's Science and Research Minister Matouq Mohamed Matouq and IAEA's Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, from left, sign an agreement opening up Libya's nuclear activities to IAEA inspections on Mar. 10, 2004, in Vienna.

One of the major unsolved puzzles of international politics is why only some states acquire nuclear weapons, whereas others never start a weapons program or even renounce their activities. A new theoretical framework based on the literature of American Pragmatism overcomes long-standing theoretical disaccords and provides a better understanding of the issues underlying states’ decision-making. Insights from the cases of Switzerland and Libya will be applied in order to show the benefits of such an alternative approach.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.