Citation

Malewich BN. Comp. Strat. 2017; 36(2): 99-114.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01495933.2017.1317537

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article covers the history of nuclear weapons development in the United States by comparing the debates over each weapon generation, dividing the influencing factors into strategic and nonstrategic considerations. Though strategic factors seem to be more dominant, they are clearly influenced by nonstrategic factors and vice versa. The comparison also provides insight on how bureaucratic pluralism can be used to strengthen political pressure on the bureaucracy. The conclusions of this article may serve to gain better understanding of the ongoing debate regarding the moral and strategic effects of a new generation of nuclear weapons, should such weapons be proven feasible.

Language: en