Indefensible Weapons: The Political and Psychological Case against Nuclearism

Abstract

The authors contend that the political and psychological power of nuclear weapons make them even more dangerous than their destructive power alone. They explore the political and psychological dependencies on nuclear weapons, which they call the disease of nuclearism. With this medical approach, they examine both the disease and the symptoms, which can be fatal. Section I, by Lifton, deals with the psychological problem of imagining the reality of nuclear weapons, the denial that they could be used, and the numbing of human feeling. Section II, by Falk, treats the political anatomy of the disease. Together they conclude that acceptance of nuclearism leads to despair and a semblance of death. They urge a broad-based popular movement to commit individual resources and action to eradicate the disease and restore mankind to health. 106 references. (DCK)