Fourteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

In the context of globalization and the 2021 review of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, I explore permissible grounds and means for war according to the religious cultural heritage of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. I identify common elements across religious traditions as well as elements unique to particular religions. I then systematically apply relevant principles to questions to nuclear technology, weapons, force posture, and war-fighting. I argue that certain frameworks, despite containing principles that seem anti-nuclear at face value, in fact pose a challenge to truly global nuclear security and technology frameworks. I also argue that certain principles not shared in common, and which which at face value seem to have nothing to do with each other, may in fact serve as functional equivalents and thereby facilitate agreements when religious cultural heritage would have seemed an obstacle rather than a catalyst.

Presenters

Brian Muzas
Assistant Professor and Director, the Center for United Nations and Global Governance Studies, School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, New Jersey, United States