Nuclear weapons in the 1980s: NATO and nuclear weapons - reasons and unreason
The current controversy in Europe over nuclear weapons results from diverging interests and from different world views and priorities than those held by the US. Popular opposition to deploying new long-range nuclear weapons in Europe reveals a destabilizing gap between civilians and the governments of Europe and between Western Europe and the US. Unlike previous opposition, the new movement is continental in scope and is a coalition that includes women, religious groups, politically diverse members, as well as young people. The background of the movement is traced to find a reason for both its timing and its focus. The analysis identifies some weaknesses in the Alliance's tendency to let short-term situations shape military decisions. Another problem is the bellicose posture of the US and the need for more sensitivity to Europe's fear of war. A third factor is the 35 years of dependence on the US for security that led to resentment and dissention. The solution may be a European defense directorate to participate in nuclear weapons decisions. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5760917
- Journal Information:
- Foreign Aff.; (United States), Vol. 60:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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