Australia's Bid for the Atomic Bomb

Book excerpt: Examination of the effects of Australia's post-World War II bid to help develop nuclear weapons in conjunction with the UK. Demonstrates that this failed endeavour shaped both foreign and domestic policy until the end of the 1950s. Focuses on the crucial role of nuclear weapons in the strategies of successive Australian governments. Provides a new perspective for historical issues such as the American alliance, the security crisis and the Petrov affair, the Cold War and the Maralinga tests. Includes notes, select bibliography and index. Author is a senior lecturer in the history department at the University of Newcastle. Previous titles is 'Doc Evatt'.