In her article, Whitlark explores the reason some leaders use preventative military force to destroy another country’s nuclear program. The article proves that the decision depends more on the leader’s prior beliefs about nuclear proliferation and the threat posed by a specific opposition.

The award is meant to recognize an article by an International Studies Association (ISA) member on any aspect of security studies that excels in originality, significance, rigor, and published in the prior calendar year.

Whitlark will receive a plaque and $500 prize for her article at the 2019 ISA Annual Convention in Toronto.

Rachel Whitlark joined the Sam Nunn School in 2016 after completing her Ph.D. at George Washington University. Her interests lie within international security and foreign-policy decision-making, specifically including nuclear proliferation, counter-proliferation, and military intervention.