1. Prof. John Mearsheimer
On 20 February 2025, I gave a lecture on “Israel and Nuclear Weapons” to the University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression.
After making some introductory comments about nuclear weapons, I focused on
1) describing and analyzing Israel’s nuclear deterrent and
2) assessing how nuclear weapons factor into the Iran-Israel security competition.
The Social Sciences Division of the Chicago Forum Student Advisory Board hosted an event titled “Israel and Nuclear Weapons: A Talk with Professor John Mearsheimer.” In his lecture, Professor Mearsheimer provided an in-depth analysis of the history of Israel’s nuclear arsenal and its impact on the international political landscape. He also discussed the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran and explored the potential implications of a nuclear-armed Iran.
