Professor Sanne Verschuren Featured in The Brink on Missile Defense
Sanne Verschuren, Assistant Professor of International Security at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, was recently featured in The Brink, BU’s research publication, discussing the limitations and implications of missile defense systems.
In an article titled “Missile Defense Won’t Save Us from Growing Nuclear Arsenals,” published on July 22, 2024, Verschuren shared insights from her research on weapon technologies and international security policy.
Verschuren highlighted the significant investment of approximately $350 billion over seven decades by the United States government in missile defense systems, despite ongoing technical challenges. She emphasized the economic imbalance between offensive and defensive capabilities, noting that “Defenses are much more expensive than offensive systems.”
The article explored Verschuren’s analysis of both short-range and long-range missile defense systems, including Israel’s Iron Dome and the US Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System. She discussed the technical limitations of these systems and their strategic implications for international stability.
Verschuren also touched on the current state of nuclear proliferation, expressing concern about the modernization of nuclear arsenals by various countries and the erosion of arms control frameworks. She emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between major powers on strategic issues.
The feature in The Brink aligns with Verschuren’s ongoing research for her upcoming book on how and why states develop weapon technologies. Her work contributes to scholarly discussions about the origins of military technology, the evolution of strategic thinking among nuclear-armed countries, and the relationship between conventional and nuclear weapons.
The full article can be accessed on The Brink’s website here.
Sanne Cornelia J. Verschuren, Assistant Professor of International Security at the Pardee School of Global Studies of Boston University, specializes in international relations and security policy. Her research, recognized with APSA’s 2022 Kenneth N. Waltz Outstanding Dissertation Award, explores states’ decisions in developing and abandoning weapon technologies. With extensive postdoctoral experience, her work has been supported by prestigious institutions. Professor Verschuren’s expertise includes international security, military technology development, and the intersection of national security with climate change. Read more about Sanne Verschuren on her faculty profile.