Nuclear Illusion, Nuclear Reality

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvi

   PDF

2. Introduction

   1. Introduction

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 1-21

3. Nuclear Illusion

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 23-23

      PDF

   2. Policy-making 1958–61

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 25-77

   3. Policy Execution 1958–61

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 78-141

4. Nuclear Reality

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 143-143

      PDF

   2. Policy-making 1961–64

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 145-193

   3. Policy Execution 1961–64

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 194-239

5. Conclusions

   1. Conclusions

      • Richard Moore

      Pages 240-255

6. Back Matter

   Pages 256-332

   PDF

A study of the political, military and technical aspects of Britain's nuclear weapons programme under the Macmillan government, contrasting Britain's perceived political decline with its growth in technological mastery and military nuclear capability. Important reading for anyone interested in the history and military technology of the cold war.

• Cold War
• Contras
• USA

“This book illuminates an important period of UK policy making and policy execution, revealing details, mechanisms, and motivations that once were shrouded. It is a worthy addition to the scholarly literature and will contribute to the reshaping of understandings of our nuclear heritage.” (George Bizetas, flight.com.gr, January 18, 2024)

'...a most rewarding and fascinating read...' - Royal Air Force Historical Society

'this thoughtful book is an excellent study on a turbulent period of Britain's nuclear history and veritable trove of material on all aspects of the story. It deserves to be diligently mined by readers for a long time to come.'

- Matthew Grant in Contemporary British History

'a valuable addition to the literature, and a valuable resource for any student of the period.'

- Melissa Smith, British Journal for the History of Science

'Moore haswritten an admirably clear and deeply-researched account of British nuclear policy across this era. By rendering such an intricate and at times arcane subject in straightforward, uncluttered and authoritative prose, Moore has made a substantial contribution to the literature on postwar nuclear policy.'

- Matthew Jones, University of Nottingham, UK

• Mountbatten Centre for International Studies, University of Southampton, UK

  Richard Moore

RICHARD MOORE  is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Mountbatten Centre for International Studies at the University of Southampton, UK. He studied history and international relations at the University of Cambridge, and his PhD dissertation for the University of Hull was published as The Royal Navy and Nuclear Weapons (2001).

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