Nuclear myths and social discourse
Subtitle: the U.S. decision to pursue nuclear weapons
By: David L. Williams
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 82
Subjects: NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION; PUBLIC OPINION; DECISION MAKING
Description: Why do countries want nuclear weapons? This question has plagued non- proliferation and      U.S. intelligence experts since the beginning of the nuclear era. Motivations for nuclear      weapons typically are viewed as the product of external variables (perceived insecurity,      prestige, etc.). This thesis asserts that a different level of analysis is appropriate. It is a      society's beliefs about nuclear technology that at least partially explains nuclear proliferation.      The 1939 U.S. decision to develop nuclear weapons is examined in light of early American      beliefs about nuclear technology. I show that various cultural texts and statements by      influential elites made policy makers believe in the military utility of nuclear energy. If these      texts and statements had not existed, President Roosevelt might not have launched the      Manhattan Project.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Mary Callahan,  Peter Lavoy.

"December 1996."

Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs) Naval Postgraduate School, December 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-80).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 6/12/97.