The development of Blue Streak : an analysis of the role of ideas in British nuclear weapon procurement policy

Cole, Benjamin Christopher (1996) The development of Blue Streak : an analysis of the role of ideas in British nuclear weapon procurement policy. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This thesis is a case study of the British attempt to build the Blue Streak ballistic missile system in the period from 1952-60, based on official Government records and secondary sources. It examines three distinct questions that arise in relation to the project: why it was initiated in the first instance; why it was cancelled; and why it was not cancelled earlier. The answers to these three questions are determined from an analysis of the development programme itself, as well as the political and strategic debates concerning the project.

The thesis also examines the role of ideas in decision making. Using Graham Allison's Rational Actor and Bureaucratic Politics Models as conceptual Models, and looking specifically at the role of ideas within the operation of the Models.

The thesis contributes to knowledge both empirically and theoretically. It challenges both the perceived wisdom concerning the cancellation of the project and the nature of British decision making on nuclear weapons issues. In addition, it demonstrates that ideas do play a distinct role within Allison's Models, contributing to a greater understanding of the operation of the Models.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Download statistics