The American Peace Movement

A Study of its Themes and Political Potential

Andrew E. Wessel

Expert InsightsPublished 1962

A discussion of the basic ideas and themes of American Peace Movement. In effect the Peace Movement believes that there is a drift toward nuclear catastrophe that must be reversed by the U.S. choosing nonmilitary alternatives to support and implement national policy. These ideas have found new advocates among other more influential people in our society, with channels of communication not formerly available to the American Peace Movement. The author speculates on why this is happening. It is contended that the current military strategy of counterforce will fail to impress these new converts to Peace Movement ideas. Despite some irrational elements existing within and around the Peace Movement, it deserves serious consideration and cannot be dismissed merely as one more lunatic-fringe group.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1962
  • Pages: 49
  • Document Number: P-2679

Citation

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Wessel, Andrew E., The American Peace Movement: A Study of its Themes and Political Potential. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1962. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P2679.html.
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