Nuclear Realism

Global political thought during the thermonuclear revolution

Rens Van Munster author Casper Sylvest author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:14th Apr '16

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Nuclear Realism cover

What is a realist response to nuclear weapons? This book is animated by the idea that contemporary attempts to confront the challenge of nuclear weapons and other global security problems would benefit from richer historical foundations.

Returning to the decade of deep, thermonuclear anxiety inaugurated in the early 1950s, the authors focus on four creative intellectuals – Günther Anders, John H. Herz, Lewis Mumford and Bertrand Russell – whose work they reclaim under the label of ‘nuclear realism’. This book brings out an important, oppositional and resolutely global strand of political thought that combines realist insights about nuclear weapons with radical proposals for social and political transformation as the only escape from a profoundly endangered planet.

Nuclear Realism is a highly original and provocative study that will be of great use to advanced undergraduates, graduates and scholars of political theory, International Relations and Cold War history.

'This path breaking contribution to international theory cuts through tired intellectual divides, offering a creative reconsideration of some familiar intellectual figures, as well as a fresh look at others unfairly neglected. By means of a brilliant exploration of what the authors dub ‘nuclear realism,’ it forces us to rethink conventional scholarly views about postwar international relations theory and intellectual history. If you think you have already heard everything one could possibly hear about realism or nuclear politics, this well-written and carefully crafted volume will prove you wrong.' -William E. Scheuerman, Professor of Political Science, Indiana University, USA

'The history of thinking about nuclear issues has been badly neglected in recent decades. This innovative and illuminating study demonstrates the value and importance of reversing that neglect. Filled with historical insights and contemporary resonance, this is a significant contribution to the intellectual history of the twentieth century.' -Michael C Williams, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Canada

'Nuclear Realism is a timely, and even vital, intervention. Engaging mid-20th century thinkers who understood immediately that the atomic bomb was not just a new technology but a fundamental challenge to both humanity and governance, van Munster and Sylvest underscore the ongoing challenges and dangers of the nuclear revolution.' -Joseph Masco, Department of Anthropology, The University of Chicago, USA

ISBN: 9780415747998

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 408g

176 pages