The Role of Nuclear Weapons in NATO’s Early Cold War Strategies (1949–1957)

Kiss, Petra (2015) The Role of Nuclear Weapons in NATO’s Early Cold War Strategies (1949–1957). ACADEMIC AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN MILITARY AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT SCIENCE, 14 (1). pp. 107-120. ISSN 2498-5392

Preview

Text AARMS_2015_1_10_Kiss.pdf Download (467kB) | Preview

Abstract

Since August 1945 atomic weapons have become significant factors in international relations, every state with great ambitions has aspired to get atomic secrets. The primary goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) created in 1949 was – possessing the United States’, a nuclear power’s, security guarantee – to deter the Soviet agression. The first strategic documents of the Alliance were written with this very purpose. However, in the 1950s there was a shift in the allied nations’ policies, which influenced NATO’s strategic thinking as well, so in 1957 a real different strategic concept was adopted. Gaining technological superiority became the most important goal, which led to development and intense production of nuclear weapons. This article examines the emerging role of nuclear weapons and the changing strategy of the Alliance between 1949 and 1957.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item