Nuclear Weapons Proliferation

For as far back as I can remember, I have always been interested in global politics and world peace. For the last thirteen or so years, I have conducted research on nuclear weapons proliferation.

I have written both a masters thesis and dissertation on the topic. Both pieces of work focused on nuclear weapons proliferation within and across minor powers, such as Iraq, Iran, Libya, and North Korea. Building and maintaining a nuclear weapons program entails costs and risks. Relatively speaking, minor powers, unlike bigger and more powerful states (i.e. the United States, England, and France) have limited technological and economic development. Of the all states in the international system, minor powers can least afford to build bombs. As a scholar, I seek to better understand why leaders of such states go down the path of nuclearization, given the technological, economic, and security costs. 

North Korea

North Korea started its bomb program during the Cold War and eventually tested a nuclear device in 2006. What is often overlooked is that the South Korean leadership also started to build nuclear weapons during this period; however, the US foreign policy elites were able to convince the South Korean government drop the idea of building bombs. As of this writing, the US has not yet been successful in convincing the North Korean regime to abandon its program. 

North Korea's nuclear weapons program and related militarization activities pose a grave threat to world peace and stability. It is my aim, as a researcher and analyst, to promote nuclear nonproliferation on the peninsula. It is unknown whether the North Korean regime will get rid of its weapons. However, from my own analysis of the situation, the threat stemming from North Korea's bomb will not dissipate until the US-North Korean conflict thaws and inter-korean relations improve. I do not believe that threats to use force against the North are effective. Such saber-rattling has not worked in the past, and there is little reason to expect that it will work now. Diplomacy is the key. 

Other Research and Policy Interests

While nuclear weapons proliferation and North Korea are my primary research and policy interests, I seek to cultivate a broader understanding of the emerging issues, events, and trends that shape our social-political reality. Below are some of the other things about which I care.

Education and Mentorship 

As an educator, I am a firm supporter of access to higher education for under-represented minorities. I had an opportunity to participate in Indiana University's highly esteemed Groups Scholars Program as an instructor and mentor. The program is designed to provide additional support, mentorship, and instruction to students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, prior to enrollment, so that they have the best chance of success. 

I have realized that while students may be enrolled in college, they may still not have "access" to higher education. Students, especially those attending large state schools, often feel lost. Some believe that their professors are inaccessible, and that they cannot find the needed channels of support to survive. I have had the privilege of serving and mentoring these students as well, and in so doing, I have grown and learned tremendously. 

In this age of digital distraction, along with changes in higher education, we need the Groups Scholars Program, and others like it, across campuses in this county, more than ever. If I can help in any capacity, please reach out.