Nuclear Policy in a Postmodern World
Prof. Michael Ogilvie, Dept. of Physics, Washington University
The modern nuclear era began with US use of nuclear weapons against Japan to end World War II. Policies were developed in the US and elsewhere, based on the realities of nuclear physics and technology, that kept the nuclear peace for decades. There are strong indications around the world that new policies are needed. How did we get to this point? What are the basic physical principles that constrain nuclear policy? Is there a good way forward?