Following the development of the atomic bomb and its use against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the United States was confronted about the concerns of the development of nuclear weaponry. But the technology also presumably held peaceful uses ranging from the use of nuclear power for electricity, as well as broad issues from medical research to other commercial uses. Given this, the U.S. seemingly had a dual interest in controlling which countries developed nuclear weapons as well as harnessing the power of the atom for peaceful purposes. Doug Becker speaks with Jacob Hamblin about his new book “The Wretched Atom: America’s Global Gamble with Peaceful Nuclear Technology.”

Jacob Hamblin is a Professor of History at Oregon State University. He is an expert in the history and politics of science and is the author of The Wretched Atom: America’s Global Gamble with Peaceful Nuclear Technology.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guest and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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