Dracarys: Unleashing the Lessons of Nuclear Conflict from House of the Dragon
By Joshua A. Schwartz, Carnegie Mellon University
The hit TV show House of the Dragon can be utilized to educate students on the nuances of nuclear theory in a fun and engaging—but also surprisingly rigorous—way. The fire-breathing weapons of mass destruction in the show illustrate five key lessons. First, nuclear war is incredibly destructive and horrifying. Second, nuclear weapons induce caution in leaders and deter major war. Third, while a powerful force, nuclear deterrence can fail due to irrational leaders, principle-agent problems, and accidents. Fourth, nuclear compellence is harder than nuclear deterrence. Fifth, nuclear superiority beyond a secure second-strike capability provides little strategic benefit.
The Journal of Political Science Education is an intellectually rigorous, path-breaking, agenda-setting journal that publishes the highest quality scholarship on teaching and pedagogical issues in political science. The journal aims to represent the full range of questions, issues and approaches regarding political science education, including teaching-related issues, methods and techniques, learning/teaching activities and devices, educational assessment in political science, graduate education, and curriculum development.