The nun who broke America’s nuclear sanctum: the use of case studies in CBRN nonproliferation training

The article examines the use of case studies to support training programs focused on the nonproliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and equipment. It argues that educational methods that induce ‘deep learning’ help to impart a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of the subject matter. CBRN-focused training and development courses have seen substantial growth in recent years, reflecting an increasing recognition of the major risks posed by CBRN proliferation. However, there remain obstacles to implementing such programs, both due to the limited resources available and the need to educate a diverse and global-dispersed community of practitioners. Pedagogical methods that place the trainee at the center of the teaching process are known to induce a deeper understanding and develop critical thinking skills. Case studies are particularly effective in this endeavor as they offer a dynamic means of grounding complex or intangible concepts into relatable, realistic situations. Case studies also induce a storytelling quality, a mnemonic device that helps learners recall large amounts of information and for long durations. The article argues however that the selection of case studies requires improvement to reduce bias. There is current lack of diversity in available case studies, and for too long, case studies have tended to reflect Western priorities and may not be easily relatable to non-Western audiences. Lastly, the article emphasizes that the utility of the case study approach comes down to how effectively they are curated within a broader curriculum as well as how well they are taught, which requires skillful facilitators who can cultivate a dynamic and engaging discussion.