International relations

Dissertation proposal

A Security Dilemma: The threat of horizontal and vertical proliferation

OUTLINE

Nuclear weapons represent one of the most urgent and real threat to public health and even to human race. Although some states are adepts of deterrence theory, this poses a security dilemma because states perceive one’s nuclear capability not necessarily as a defensive means but rather offensive-a threat. Security dilemma, in the context of politics, is a situation in which the action taken by a state/s to increase its own security in relation to other states, can lead in fact, to a decrease rather than strengthening of state’s security.

This dissertation will be employing quantitative research as proposed methodology. I will also abide by the ethical code of University in regards to collection and manner of data used for this work.

The horizontal proliferation reflects the nation-states (or nonstate entities) that do not possess, but are acquiring, or developing nuclear weapons, the capability and materials for producing them. Another form is the vertical proliferation -this refers to states that possess nuclear weapons and are also increasing their stockpiles. They are also improving the technology and means for developing new weapons that would pose an increased threat, harm and greater capabilities.

The difficulty that arises here is that states feel increasingly compelled and “encouraged” by each other attitude to adhere or increase their nuclear capabilities. This leads to increased competition and insecurity within an already “fragile” international anarchic system.

In order to control nuclear proliferation, a broad and close cooperation among governments, intergovernmental organisations and civil society is needed. Governments are known to have attempted the control of nuclear weapons through bilateral and multilateral treaties. Intergovernmental organisations, such as the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as the International Court of Justice have also attempted to control proliferation. The civil society —including professional organizations, such as the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and Physicians for Social Responsibility)—have worked together to keep under   control the proliferation through education, information dissemination, and advocacy addressed to governments and governmental bodies.

However, these efforts do not seem to have a significant impact. There is an increasing number who are in favour of permanent destruction of nuclear weapons. As long as these weapons exist, they pose real and imminent threat to the public health and human race. This is not only by intentional use but also by the danger posed by unintentional use, that is being deployed/activated by accident, human errors.

I am going to give the historical context of nuclear weapons emergence.

I will be using case studies such as U.S, Russia, U.K, China, North Korea, Iran, Israel and Pakistan.

These will be analysed in pairs or individually. The analyse will aim to look critically at the original goal/intent of nuclear weapons (to increase national security) and the more current use as means of achieving other interests/blackmailing states or state actors. Here, I will be looking on how these nation states are using their nuclear capabilities as bargaining chip to achieve increased security, diverse resources, political influence, regional domination, e.g., Iran and even to project a certain national and international image, e.g., North Korea or even international dominance e.g., U.S, China. This dissertation will also look at how nuclear proliferation has and it is changing dynamics between nation states within the anarchic political system and the challenges of keeping these weapons under control given the lack of a common international legal body. The relations/dynamic between West and Middle East will be observed and analysed in the context of nuclear weapons, how these are changing attitudes but also effects on a deeper level from nation states that are not directly involved in some conflicts.

Are Nuclear weapons “must have” tools?

Are they used for increased security or do they have other intents?

What are the pros and cons of having such “equipment”?

How easily non state actors can have access to such weapons and what are the dangers involved?

The intent and effects of Treaties on Non-Proliferation will be presented and analysed as well as current efforts that are taken in this direction.

GUIDELINE/TIPS

Some Tips on Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation

A dissertation should address a well-defined research question, specified at the outset. It should present a logically developed argument, the claims of which are supported by evidence where necessary.

Dissertations typically follow one of four methods:

• a case study is used to assess, explore, validate or critically examine an argument, theory or theoretical perspective advanced in the literature;
• a comparative study is undertaken where a process, development or institution is examined in two or more settings; or
• quantitative data is used to test existing arguments or to form a new hypothesis;
• a critical analysis of a theoretical argument or perspective is advanced that engages closely with primary texts.

A dissertation must have an element of your own research. This can be demonstrated by exploring previously neglected primary sources, undertaking an original theoretical analysis or interpretation of existing literature, or using primary material to develop your own critique of existing scholarly arguments. It is not enough simply to review the books and articles which you have collected on the topic.

The dissertation should demonstrate not only that you can collect evidence and consider a particular problem or topic in detail, but also that you understand how the topic relates to the work others have done in the same field. The review of the literature should show how the works of different authors on the topic relate to one another and where your own work is intended to fit in, and the analysis should show an awareness of what others who have addressed related questions have already said (or are saying) and of the implications of their various views and positions for your own work.

Structure

Although structure varies according to the topic and methodology chosen, a dissertation typically consists of several parts, which should be formally indicated by section breaks or chapters. A possible structure is as follows:

• The introduction states the objectives of the dissertation, outlines the research question, and identifies how it is intended to meet the objectives and answer the question. In other words, the research methodology employed is described and its appropriateness to the topic explained.
• The topic is placed in its academic context by reviewing the relevant scholarly literature and relating the research question to academic debates.
• Primary and secondary source material is presented, with an appropriate account of how primary material was gathered (e.g. how an interview schedule was developed) and how sources might be interpreted in the light of their authorship.
• An argument or interpretation is advanced in the light of the evidence.
• The conclusion presents a summary of the findings of the dissertation, relates these to the argument outlined in the introductory chapter and states precisely what has been demonstrated.

Each of the main sections or chapters (i.e. not including the introduction and conclusion) should begin with a paragraph outlining its aims and content, and conclude with a brief summary.

Presentation: Some do’s and don’ts

The same rules of clear and simple expression should be followed in writing a dissertation as would be in writing an essay. Discussion should be broken up into sections and sub-sections, but excessive fragmentation should be avoided. Breaking up the text into too many very short sub-sections prevents coherent presentation and can encourage a superficial treatment of a wide range of material rather than a detailed and well-substantiated account of a tightly defined area. Organise the discussion into paragraphs and avoid bullet points.

Present data with graphic illustrations (graphs, tables, charts, diagrams, flowcharts or organigrams) where appropriate. Make sure that the text explains and discusses the data. Do not consign important information to appendices; whereever possible, integrate it into the text. All graphics must be clearly presented, be a reasonable size, have relevant headings and acknowledge sources.

Remember that writing takes a long time, far longer than you may anticipate, so plan carefully and leave plenty of time for re-drafting and a final proof-reading before the submission deadline.

Sources and references

Research for the dissertation may involve use of a variety of primary and secondary sources. Where relevant, students are encouraged to make use of primary material, for example, from interviews, surveys, or the analysis of original documents. It is necessary to adopt a clear and consistent method for recording and referring to primary sources. It is also important to make sure that any planned fieldwork is practicable, feasible within the time available, and ethical. Students should discuss such issues with their supervisor.