The Defence Policy Approach to Conversion

Abstract

Although discussion of alternative approaches to Western defence policy can be traced back to the 1950s it is only since the late 1970s that criticism of orthodox reliance on nuclear strategy, in particular, mounted sharply and increased attention was focused on alternative defence policies. While the number of titles remains comparatively few the significance of this development requires analysis, especially as conversion has tended to form a small but distinct part of these new policy proposals. In part the perceived requirement for these alternative defence policies reflects a perhaps subconscious recognition within the peace movement and amongst radical academics that the hopes for general and complete disarmament in the 1960s, never that high anyway, had proved too optimistic. The formulation of these policies was an implicit acceptance of this fact, since the need for such alternatives would hardly arise if general and complete disarmament was felt to be just around the corner.