F1IS 5330 - Disarmament and Arms Control Law

The course focuses on the content of international treaties governing disarmament and arms control, including nuclear non-proliferation, as well as their verification and implementation in practice. The course covers both weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological) and conventional weapons (including small arms, landmines, cluster munitions, incendiary weapons, and directed-energy weapons). The course will also address the regulation of cyber operations, 3D printing, and the development of autonomous weapons systems using artificial intelligence.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understanding of the content of key conventional and WMD disarmament treaties in force
• Knowledge of the key weapons systems threatening international peace and security
• Appreciation of non-proliferation challenges
• Familiarity with disarmament challenges on the horizon, including AI and 3D printing

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

The students will gain the ability to assess situations of tension and violence around the world and identify accurately the disarmament and arms control challenges.

No knowledge of international law or disarmament is required for the course.

Feedback will be provided directly during the seminars for both individual inputs and group work.

Assessment will be through one two-hour examination (a take-home case study) (70% of the grade); oral presentation in groups (20%); and class participation (10% of the grade)

• In Class Presence: 24 hours a semester spread across six weeks
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2–3 hours a week
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 8 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 8 hours a semester
• Exam case study: 2 hours a semester