The nuclear dilemma in American strategic thought

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6294162

Osgood, R E

Since the end of World War II, the United States has faced moral and strategic issues in its management of force that are unique in the history of international politics. At the heart of these issues is the heavy reliance of the United States and its allies on the deterrent effect of nuclear weapons and the fact that their use would very likely lead to self-defeating destruction and ecological catastrophe. This dilemma affects every major military decision and strategic debate, and the history of U.S. strategic thought can be viewed as an attempt to cope by rejecting, abolishing, or weakening the nuclear specter. In this review, the author explores the evolution of postwar strategic thought in the United States, examining the moral and practical implications of the nuclear dilemma.

• OSTI ID: 6294162
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
350000* -- Arms Control-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
COOPERATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ETHICAL ASPECTS
FOREIGN POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
MILITARY STRATEGY
NON-PROLIFERATION POLICY
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PROLIFERATION
REVIEWS
RISK ASSESSMENT
WEAPONS