Nuclear-freeze movement in the United States, 1979-1984: political opportunity and the structure of social mobilization

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6284276

Meyer, D S

This dissertation advances a theory of social movements and uses it to analyze the nuclear-freeze movement. After setting out a theory of political space and social movements, the dissertation analyzes factors that created a political space for a social movement on issues of nuclear weaponry and strategy. Shifts in US military and nuclear policy are detailed, as are increased military spending, careless rhetoric, a breakdown in the arms control process, economic recession, and rifts within the Atlantic alliance. All visibly moved nuclear policy beyond the scope of dominant consensus, creating an opportunity for social mobilization. Elite figures, including former policymakers, professionals, journalists, and corporate and clerical leaders, defected from support of US policy in this area, criticizing the President and his policies, and aiding social mobilization. The nuclear freeze movement that emerged was built upon networks and organizations established by previous movements, and was characterized by a diversity of activity and political analyses. As the movement grew and won acceptance within US political institutions, extra-institutional mobilization was overshadowed by conventional political participation, and the movement coalition began to fray.

• Research Organization: Boston Univ., MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6284276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
350100 -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450202* -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INSTITUTIONAL SECTOR
MILITARY STRATEGY
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FREEZE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PUBLIC POLICY
USA
WEAPONS