The US had a policy of first use of nuclear weapons from "summary" of The Doomsday Machine by Daniel Ellsberg
The U. S. government had a clear and explicit policy when it came to nuclear weapons: they were always to be the first to use them. This policy was not a secret, but it was not widely known either. It was understood by those in the highest levels of government and military, but it was not something that was openly discussed or debated in public. The idea behind this policy was simple: the United States would always be prepared to use nuclear weapons to achieve its objectives, whether in a conventional war or in a conflict with another nuclear-armed state. The logic was that by demonstrating a willingness to use nuclear weapons, the U. S. could deter potential adversaries from taking actions that would be against its interests. This policy of first use of nuclear weapons was not without its critics, both inside and outside the government. Some argued that it was immoral and inhumane to use such destructive weapons as a first resort. Others questioned whether the policy was actually effective in deterring adversaries, or whether it might actually increase the risk of nuclear war by escalating conflicts unnecessarily. Despite these criticisms, the policy of first use of nuclear weapons remained in place for decades. It was a central part of the U. S. government's strategy for dealing with the threat of nuclear war, and it was something that was taken very seriously by those in positions of power. The idea of using nuclear weapons in a first strike was not something that was taken lightly, but it was seen as a necessary tool for protecting the country and its interests.- The policy of first use of nuclear weapons was a reflection of the broader mindset that existed during the Cold War. It was a time when the threat of nuclear war loomed large, and when the U. S. government felt that it needed to do whatever was necessary to protect itself and its allies. Whether this policy was ultimately effective or not is a matter of debate, but it was a central part of the U. S. government's approach to nuclear weapons for many years.
Similar Posts
The world is on the brink of nuclear devastation
As the shadows of the Cold War loomed large, a chilling reality began to take shape - the world stood on the razor's edge of nu...
Infrastructure collapses without maintenance
Without constant human attention, the infrastructure that enables our daily lives to function smoothly would quickly fall into ...
Diplomatic doctrine
The concept of a diplomatic doctrine represents a framework for a nation's foreign policy. It is an overarching strategy that g...
Human agency drives historical changes
One of the fundamental ideas that Yuval Noah Harari explores in 'Unstoppable Us' is the concept that human beings have the abil...
Space race fueled technological advancements
The Space Race, between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a driving force behind numerous technological advancements ...
The first World War had farreaching consequences
The Great War, which began in 1914 and ended in 1918, had effects that extended far beyond the battlefields of Europe. The conf...
US drone strikes kill civilians
The killing of civilians by US drone strikes has become a routine occurrence in the never-ending War on Terror. These strikes a...
Ellsberg's book sheds light on the dangers of nuclear proliferation
Daniel Ellsberg's analysis of the Doomsday Machine reveals the alarming risks associated with the proliferation of nuclear weap...