The Participation of Sociologists in the Nuclear Debate.

Sociologists have much to contribute to the nuclear debate, yet they have remained largely unorganized and hesitant about their potential contribution to this crucial issue. While physical scientists and social scientists from other disciplines have developed numerous organizations to address the threat of war, especially nuclear war, since the 1930's, sociologists who want to work in this area have had to do so through interdisciplinary organizations. This situation calls for sociologists to return to global analysis rather than continuing their recent emphasis on microsociology. Such subdisciplines as military sociology have not dealt with strategy issues, while the area of conflict studies has held a somewhat marginal position within the discipline. Yet, even within the narrow focus most frequently employed by sociologists, enough research has been done (e.g., in such areas as understanding how sovereign states maintain peace while pursuing their own interests) that sociologists can make contributions now. Some areas in which sociologists could make a significant impact include understanding the world military system, war symbolism in our culture, and the sociological dimensions of nuclear winter, as well as envisioning ways of designing a peaceful future. (IS)