Little Boy to Star Wars the evolution of American deterrence. Research report

Technical Report · Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6414085

Havey, M E

The historical and sociological development of the American deterrent posture in the nuclear age is traced since the its dawn at Alamagordo, New Mexico, 16 July 1945, and the use of the Little Boy over Hiroshima three weeks later. A description of Western man's involvement in and reaction to pre-1945 catastrophic circumstances is followed by a comparative examination of the post-1945 changes in national policy in regard to the use and dangers of total war. Using Bernard Brodie as a theoretical deterrent baseline, the author analyzes the ethical and military shifts in U.S. declaratory (versus actual) nuclear policy, through Paul Nitze's statements of future policy in light of strategic defense. The author concludes that extremely effective--not necessarily perfect--defenses can be based dramatically on the beneficial effects of arms control. But at the same time, such a condition must inevitably result in a de facto reversion of U.S. nuclear policy to that of a small, non-counterforce force de frappe deterrent - similar in effect to that of the present French posture. The implications of this upon U.S.-Soviet force balance, the historical trends of the American Way of War, and the present deterrent mindset of the officer corps is left as a grave concern.

• Research Organization: Air War Coll., Maxwell AFB, AL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6414085
• Report Number(s): AD-A-178523/7/XAB; AU-AWC-86-093
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
USA
MILITARY STRATEGY
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NORTH AMERICA
WEAPONS
450202* - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)
350000 - Arms Control- (1987-)