Nuclear Realism

Rens van Munster is senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). Located at the intersection of IR theory and critical security studies, his research critically interrogates practices of security and risk management, with a particular focus on the politics and governance of catastrophes. He has published widely in leading IR journals and is the (co-)author of several books. His most recent publications include the co-edited volumes, with Casper Sylvest, Documenting World Politics: A Critical Companion to IR and Non-Fiction Film (Routledge, 2015) and The Politics of Globality since 1945: Assembling the Planet (Routledge, 2016)Casper Sylvest is associate professor at the Department of History, University of Southern Denmark. Combining the study of politics, history, law and technology, most of his work has examined realist and liberal visions of international and global politics during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He has published widely in leading historical and IR journals and has recently co-edited, with Rens van Munster, Documenting World Politics: A Critical Companion to IR and Non-Fiction Film (Routledge, 2015) and The Politics of Globality since 1945: Assembling the Planet (Routledge, 2016).

'This path breaking contribution to international theory cuts through tired intellectual divides, offering a creative reconsideration of some familiar intellectual figures, as well as a fresh look at others unfairly neglected. By means of a brilliant exploration of what the authors dub ‘nuclear realism,’ it forces us to rethink conventional scholarly views about postwar international relations theory and intellectual history. If you think you have already heard everything one could possibly hear about realism or nuclear politics, this well-written and carefully crafted volume will prove you wrong.' - William E. Scheuerman, Professor of Political Science, Indiana University, USA'The history of thinking about nuclear issues has been badly neglected in recent decades. This innovative and illuminating study demonstrates the value and importance of reversing that neglect. Filled with historical insights and contemporary resonance, this is a significant contribution to the intellectual history of the twentieth century.' - Michael C Williams, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Canada'Nuclear Realism is a timely, and even vital, intervention. Engaging mid-20th century thinkers who understood immediately that the atomic bomb was not just a new technology but a fundamental challenge to both humanity and governance, van Munster and Sylvest underscore the ongoing challenges and dangers of the nuclear revolution.' - Joseph Masco, Department of Anthropology, The University of Chicago, USA

• Introduction 1. The Atomic Bomb and the New Knowledge Economy 2. Limits of War and Rationality in the Thermonuclear Age 3. Security and Liberty 4. Technology and Ecology 5. Reimagining the Future. Conclusion