Nuclear Mentalities?: Strategies and Beliefs in Britain, France, and the Frg

by Beatrice Heuser

Concepts associated with nuclear strategy often go beyond any "objective" logic of deterrence. Nuclear weapons have special roles in different national belief systems; myths surround them, they have catalyzed tensions already existing in societies, and they've become symbols of power or of past sins. This book delves into the conscious and subconscious beliefs in Britain, France and the Federal Republic of Germany (all voiced in debates about nuclear strategy) about society, the State and power structures, each country's place in the world, the international system, allies, and enemies.

277 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1998