Arms Control and International Security: Treaties and History

International diplomacy and global security are deeply shaped by arms control agreements and non-proliferation frameworks. This course provides a foundational overview of the political aspects surrounding nuclear and conventional arms control throughout recent history. You will build a clear framework for understanding how major international treaties were negotiated, ratified, and sustained over time. What you'll learn: Understand core terminology and theoretical concepts of strategic deterrence and arms control. Trace the political history of the arms race through key twentieth-century diplomatic events. Examine major bilateral and multilateral treaties governing nuclear and conventional weapons. Analyze the processes of negotiating, implementing, and verifying compliance with international agreements. Evaluate modern challenges to strategic stability, including cyber risks and emerging defense technologies. The course material begins with basic concepts and foundational definitions before guiding you through historical developments and modern security considerations. This course is ideal for beginners, history enthusiasts, and students of political science seeking a clear entry point into global diplomacy without prerequisites. Start reading to gain a well-rounded perspective on arms control and international security.