Eisenhower, Science Advice, and the Nuclear Test-Ban Debate, 1945-1963

Based on extensive research in government archives and private papers, this book analyzes the secret debate within the Eisenhower administration over the pursuit of a nuclear test-ban agreement. In contrast to much recent scholarship, this study concludes that Eisenhower strongly desired to reach an accord with the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom to cease nuclear weapons testing. For Eisenhower, a test ban would ease Cold War tensions and slow the nuclear arms race; however, he faced continual resistance from his early scientific advisers, notably the "father of the hydrogen bomb," Edward Teller. Previous examinations of the test-ban issue have not identified the factors that inhibited Eisenhower's actions throughout his presidency. Extensive research into previously unavailable government archival sources and collections of private manuscripts reveals the manipulative acts of test-ban opponents within the administration. Meticulously analyzed, these sources underscore Eisenhower's dependence on scientific expertise, primarily that of James Killian, to determine the course he pursued in regard to several components of his national security strategy. In addition to its comprehensive analysis of the test-ban debate, this book makes important contributions to the scholarly literature assessing Eisenhower's leadership and his approach to arms control.