Public Perspectives on the Nuclear Future

Hank C. Jenkins-Smith, University of Oklahoma
Kerry G. Herron, University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Abstract

Policy experts have traditionally relegated public opinion to the sidelines where US nuclear weapons policy is concerned. The public is expected to be too ill-equipped and disinterested to contribute to policy in a meaningful way. Using data from a series of nationwide studies of the structure of public opinion on nuclear issues spanning more than a decade, we explore the nature of public opinion about nuclear weapons, deterrence and terrorism. We find greater stability and coherence that might be expected, and clear trends that reflect sensitivity to changing international circumstances. We argue that the generation of stable policies will require attending to evolving public beliefs and preferences concerning the utilities and risks posed by the US nuclear weapons arsenal.