Problems and Opportunities in Researching Nuclear Disarmament Movements

Abstract

This essay examines the extensive and unusual research that I performed in connection with the writing of my scholarly trilogy, The Struggle Against the Bomb, a history of the world nuclear disarmament movement. Among the problems were the vast array of organizations, their millions of participants and supporters, the global dimensions of the project, and the need to examine the impact of the movement on public policy. There were also unexpected difficulties, such as the disruptions caused by military attacks and flooded offices. Among the opportunities were uncovering remarkable government secrets and, more broadly, discovering the degree to which government officials curbed their nuclear ambitions thanks to the power of public protest. Last, but certainly not least, the research provided me with the opportunity to meet some very interesting people.