From  Polaris to Trident
Subtitle: the development of US Fleet ballistic missile technology
By: Graham Spinardi.
Series: Cambridge studies in international relations ;; 30
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Cambridge [England]; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
Subjects: United States. Navy -- Submarine forces.; Fleet ballistic missile weapons systems -- United States.
Other titles: Development of US Fleet ballistic missile technology.
Description: This book provides a complete history of the US Fleet Ballistic Missile programme from its inception in the 1950s and the development of Polaris to the deployment of Trident II in 1990. Writing in an accessible yet scholarly manner, Graham Spinardi bases his historical documentation of FBM development on interviews with many of the key participants. His study confronts a central issue: is technology simply a tool used to achieve the goals of society, or is it an autonomous force in shaping that society?

FBM accuracy evolved from the citybusting retaliatory capability of Polaris to the silo-busting 'first strike' potential of Trident. Is this a case of technology 'driving' the arms race, or simply the intended product of political decisions? The book provides a comprehensive survey of the literature on the role of technology in the arms race, and seeks to explain technological development using a 'sociology of technology' approach.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 198-242) and index.
Revision of author's thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Edinburgh.