Short Histories of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

The launch of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) in 1958 marked the inception of the first modern protest movement in Britain. This seminal event is explored in detail by Martin Shaw, who delves into the rise of CND, the dedicated activists involved, and the tensions that arose with the Committee of 100 around the issue of direct action. The book also examines the cultural, radical, and social groups that were mobilized to champion the cause of "banning the bomb".

In the 1980s, a new movement emerged, led by European Nuclear Disarmament and the Greenham women's peace camp. This resurgent effort played a crucial role in removing cruise missiles from Europe and ultimately contributing to the end of the Cold War. The study delves into how the antinuclear campaign both influenced and was influenced by various antiwar movements, from the Vietnam War to the conflicts in Iraq and Gaza, as well as the environmental and women's rights movements.

As the nuclear threat reemerges in the 2020s, this comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the ideas and the non-violent direct action pioneered by the antinuclear movement continue to reverberate in the ongoing campaign against the UK's "nuclear deterrent". The author also explores the reverberations of this legacy in contemporary protest movements, such as Stop the War and Extinction Rebellion.

The book's examination of the CND's rise, the activists involved, and the tensions with the Committee of 100 provides valuable insights into the dynamics and complexities of social movements. The discussion of how the antinuclear campaign interacted with and shaped other global movements, from Vietnam to the Middle East, underscores the interconnectedness of various social and political struggles.

Furthermore, the study's exploration of the lasting impact of the antinuclear movement's ideas and tactics on contemporary protest movements highlights the enduring relevance of non-violent direct action in the face of pressing global challenges. As the world grapples with the resurgence of nuclear threats, this work serves as a timely and insightful resource, offering a deeper understanding of the historical precedents and the continuing significance of the antinuclear movement.

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